India vs Pakistan Preview & Prediction | 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | Group Stage
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After initially not looking like going ahead, India and Pakistan will meet in the group stage after the latter withdrew their intention to boycott the fixture.
Date & time:
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Weather: Cloudy with light winds, a small chance of showers and 27c temperatures.
How to watch: UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go / USA – Willow TV
Tickets: Click here for the latest ticket information for USA vs USA
India vs Pakistan prediction
For a significant period of time, it looked like this fixture would not take place between India and Pakistan, arguably the fiercest rivalry in world cricket. The ramifications of such an outcome would’ve been huge, but will not see the light of day after Pakistan confirmed that the match would proceed. This means we are set to enjoy what should be another fantastic encounter between two potential winners of this competition. Both were triumphant in their first two matches and resoundingly so, setting things up nicely for this top of the table battle.
India batting clicked nicely against Namibia after a slow start vs USA, whilst Pakistan have had the benefit of playing in Colombo twice already, familiarising themselves with conditions, albeit at a different ground. Travel is minimal for them, whilst India have had to fly over with just a three-day turnaround following their last game. Whether that has an impact remains to be seen.
In the eight previous times these two nations have met in the Men’s T20 World Cup, India have won seven of them. Pakistan are notorious for not delivering their best cricket when India are the opposition in ICC World Cup tournaments regardless of the format, with their players perhaps succumbing to the added pressure. This India team have already held their nerve under pressure in Group A when USA had them on the ropes. Last time out though, Suryakumar Yadav's men showed what a formidable side they really are. Back the defending champions to once again pick up bragging rights and defeat their big rivals.
India vs Pakistan tip: India to win
