India vs Pakistan 15 Feb 2026: Match Updates
The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Group A match ended in a thrilling super-over finish at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with India winning by 2 runs after both teams tied on 188 in the regulation 20 overs. The result keeps India unbeaten in the group and virtually assures them a top-two finish, while Pakistan now face an uphill battle to qualify for the Super 8.
The match lived up to every bit of its billing as the biggest spectacle in cricket — watched by an estimated 650 million people worldwide — delivering high drama, momentum swings, record crowds and a finish that will be replayed for years.
Toss & India Innings – 188/7 in 20 Overs
Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first under lights, expecting dew to play a big role in the second innings. India’s openers provided a blistering start:
- Rohit Sharma: 56 off 32 balls (5 fours, 4 sixes)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 41 off 24 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes)
The pair added 89 in 8.4 overs before Shaheen Shah Afridi removed both in the space of three deliveries. Virat Kohli anchored the middle overs with a composed 48 off 35 balls, while Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a quick 29 off 18.
Hardik Pandya’s late cameo (22* off 11) and Axar Patel’s 14* off 6 took India to 188/7 — a competitive total on a pitch that slowed down noticeably after the first ten overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers were disciplined:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi — 3/34
- Haris Rauf — 2/40
- Naseem Shah — 1/38
- Shadab Khan — 1/32
Pakistan Innings – 188/6 in 20 Overs
Chasing 189, Pakistan openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan gave a solid platform with 68 in the powerplay. Babar fell for 42 off 31 balls (caught at long-on off Arshdeep Singh), but Rizwan anchored the chase with a brilliant 74* off 48 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes).
At 128/2 after 14 overs Pakistan needed 61 off 36 balls with eight wickets in hand. The match turned dramatically in the next six overs:
- Jasprit Bumrah removed Iftikhar Ahmed (caught at deep midwicket)
- Axar Patel dismissed Azam Khan (bowled attempting a reverse sweep)
- Ravindra Jadeja ran out Imad Wasim with a direct hit
- Arshdeep Singh bowled Shadab Khan with a pinpoint yorker
Pakistan needed 18 off the last over. Hardik Pandya conceded 11 runs and took the wicket of Haris Rauf on the penultimate ball. Rizwan hit a six off the final delivery to tie the scores at 188.
Super Over Drama
India Super Over — Rohit Sharma & Yashasvi Jaiswal Bowled by Shaheen Shah Afridi Score: 14/1 (Rohit out for 9)
Pakistan Super Over — Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan Bowled by Jasprit Bumrah Score: 12/1 (Rizwan run out attempting the second run off the last ball)
India won by 2 runs in the super over.
Player of the Match & Key Performances
- Player of the Match: Jasprit Bumrah — 3/22 (including the super-over spell)
- Top scorer: Mohammad Rizwan 74* (Pakistan)
- Best bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 3/22 (India)
- Most sixes: Hardik Pandya 3 (India)
Post-Match Reactions
- Rohit Sharma (India captain): “Incredible game. The boys showed character in the super over. Bumrah was phenomenal. Pakistan played very well — respect to them.”
- Babar Azam (Pakistan captain): “Heartbreaking to lose in the super over. Rizwan batted brilliantly. We’ll take the positives and come back stronger.”
- Jasprit Bumrah: “Special feeling to win for the country in such a match. The crowd was unbelievable.”
- Virat Kohli: “One of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced. The energy was electric.”
Impact on Group Standings
After the match (as of 15 Feb evening):
- India: 4 points (2 wins) — almost certain to top Group A
- Pakistan: 2 points (1 win, 1 loss) — must win remaining matches with strong NRR
- Australia & Scotland: both on 2 points
India’s net run-rate is now significantly better than Pakistan’s, giving them a strong chance of finishing first even if they lose one more game.
Conclusion
India vs Pakistan on 15 February 2026 at Eden Gardens will be remembered as one of the greatest T20 World Cup matches of all time — a super-over classic decided by a single run after both teams scored 188. The drama, skill, atmosphere and emotional intensity were off the charts.
India move forward with momentum and a virtually assured Super 8 spot, while Pakistan face a do-or-die situation in their remaining group fixtures. Regardless of what happens next, this match has already delivered the defining moment of the 2026 T20 World Cup so far.
Cricket at its absolute best.
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