T20 World Cup 2026: Match 27, IND vs PAK – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

India will take on Pakistan in Match No. 27 of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 15. With both teams winning their opening two matches, the contest promises to be a high-intensity battle as they look to seal their place in the Super Eight stage.

India enter the clash as the defending champions, having defeated South Africa in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. As one of the co-hosts of the 2026 edition, the Men in Blue will be eager to assert their dominance and continue their winning momentum. Pakistan, however, will be equally determined to rise to the occasion. With both sides in form and qualification for the next round at stake, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter between the arch-rivals in Colombo.

Here are top 3 player battles to watch out in IND vs PAK, T20 WC 2026

3. Kuldeep Yadav vs Salman Ali Agha

Indian left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav has not featured in the first two matches of the tournament but is widely expected to return to the playing XI for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan. The Colombo surface is traditionally known to assist spinners, and India could look to strengthen their spin department for this crucial encounter.

One of the key battles to watch could be between Kuldeep and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. The two have faced each other in two T20 innings so far. In that period, Kuldeep has bowled seven deliveries to Agha, conceding just six runs. Importantly, he has dismissed the Pakistan skipper once, with that breakthrough coming in the Asia Cup 2025 final.

2. Abhishek Sharma vs Shaheen Afridi

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma missed the game against Namibia due to stomach issues but is expected to return for the much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. His comeback would provide India with an aggressive option at the top of the order, especially in a high-pressure encounter. One of the most intriguing battles in this fixture will be between Abhishek Sharma and Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi.

The two have faced each other in three T20 innings so far. During those exchanges, the left-handed batter has scored 36 runs off just 19 balls at a striking rate of 189.47. Abhishek’s fearless approach has put Shaheen under pressure in the past, particularly during the powerplay overs.

1. Jasprit Bumrah vs Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan and India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah share one of the most intriguing head-to-head battles in recent meetings between the two sides. The contest between Farhan’s attacking stroke play and Bumrah’s precision and pace often sets the tone in high-pressure encounters.

The two have faced each other in three T20 innings so far. During those exchanges, Farhan has scored 51 runs off 34 deliveries bowled by Bumrah, striking at an impressive rate of 150. The right-hander has shown intent from the outset, taking calculated risks and refusing to allow the Indian pacer to settle into a rhythm. Bumrah, widely regarded as one of the most accurate and difficult bowlers to face in T20 cricket, has found it challenging to dismiss Farhan in these encounters.