IND vs PAK 15 Feb 2026: Match Preview and Updates
The marquee clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A stage is scheduled for Sunday, 15 February 2026 at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India vs Pakistan is once again the most anticipated fixture of the tournament, carrying massive emotional weight for fans on both sides of the border and millions more around the world. With both teams having won their opening two group matches comfortably, this game is effectively a virtual quarter-final: the winner will almost certainly top the group and secure a favourable Super 8 path.
As of 12 February 2026, both camps are in final preparations. India trained at Eden Gardens on 11 February, while Pakistan held a closed-door session at the nearby Salt Lake Stadium. The match starts at 7:00 p.m. IST with the toss at 6:30 p.m.
Head-to-Head Record & Recent Form
India lead the T20I head-to-head 10–3 (with 1 no-result). In T20 World Cups the record is even more lopsided: India 7, Pakistan 1 (the famous 2021 upset in Dubai remains Pakistan’s only win).
Recent form (last five T20Is each):
India W W W W NR (vs USA, SCO, IRE, NZ, AUS) Rohit Sharma’s men have won four on the trot since the series loss to Australia in late 2025.
Pakistan W W L W L (vs SCO, IRE, AUS, NZ, SA) Babar Azam’s side has been inconsistent but dangerous when their top order fires.
Probable Playing XIs
India
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Axar Patel
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Arshdeep Singh
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
Impact players: Shivam Dube / Washington Sundar / Kuldeep Yadav
Pakistan
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Azam Khan
- Imad Wasim
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Haris Rauf
Impact players: Usama Mir / Abrar Ahmed / Mohammad Nawaz
Pitch & Conditions at Eden Gardens
The Eden Gardens pitch for T20Is in 2025–26 has been high-scoring but two-paced. Average first-innings score in the last five T20Is: 181. Teams batting second have won 3 out of 5. Dew is expected to play a major role after 8 p.m., making the toss crucial. Captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first.
Weather forecast for 15 February: Clear sky, 24–28 °C during the match, 65–70 % humidity, no rain threat.
Key Battles to Watch
- Rohit Sharma & Yashasvi Jaiswal vs Shaheen Shah Afridi & Naseem Shah The Indian openers will face the most lethal new-ball pair in world T20 cricket. Shaheen’s swing and Naseem’s pace will test India’s top order early.
- Virat Kohli vs Shadab Khan Kohli has dominated Shadab in the past (average 68.50, strike-rate 142). Shadab will look to flight the ball and use wrong’uns to disrupt Kohli’s rhythm.
- Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan vs Jasprit Bumrah & Arshdeep Singh Pakistan’s top two have struggled against Bumrah’s death-over yorkers. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle adds another layer of difficulty.
- Hardik Pandya vs Haris Rauf Rauf’s express pace (150+ km/h) vs Hardik’s power-hitting will be a mouth-watering battle in the middle overs.
- Rishabh Pant vs spin twins Shadab & Imad Pant’s aggressive approach against Pakistan spinners has often produced fireworks.
Team News & Injury Updates
India
- All players fit except Kuldeep Yadav (slight quad niggle, available as impact sub)
- Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar vying for the all-rounder slot
Pakistan
- Naseem Shah fully fit after missing the Scotland game
- Fakhar Zaman cleared to play despite a bruised finger
- No major injury concerns
Predicted Playing Conditions & Strategy
- Dew factor expected after 8 p.m. → team bowling second has advantage
- Spinners likely to dominate middle overs (Rashid Khan unavailable for AFG in earlier matches, but here both teams have quality spin options)
- Death bowling will be decisive: Bumrah, Arshdeep, Shaheen and Haris will bowl at the death
Most experts predict a high-scoring game (180–200 par score) with dew helping the chasing side.
Fan & Expert Predictions
- Social media polls (X & Instagram): India 68 %, Pakistan 24 %, Tie 8 %
- Bookmakers (as of 10 Feb): India 1.55, Pakistan 2.55
- Former players:
- Wasim Akram: “Pakistan can win if Babar & Rizwan get going.”
- Gautam Gambhir: “India’s bowling depth gives them the edge.”
- Ramiz Raja: “If Pakistan’s spinners take early wickets, they can defend anything.”
Conclusion
The India–Pakistan T20 World Cup clash on 15 February 2026 at Eden Gardens carries the weight of history, rivalry and national pride. With both teams in strong form and the stakes enormous, the match promises to be a high-octane spectacle watched by hundreds of millions worldwide.
Whether it is Rohit’s aggression, Kohli’s class, Babar’s elegance, Rizwan’s consistency, Bumrah’s death-over mastery or Shaheen’s swing, fans can expect fireworks in Kolkata. Regardless of the result, the 2026 edition’s biggest blockbuster is set to live up to its billing.
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