Pakistan lose three early wickets in 176-run chase against India

COLOMBO (Dunya News) – Pakistan lost three wickets in the first two overs while chasing a 176-run target set by India in the crucial ICC T20 World Cup clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Sunday.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, along with captain Salman Agha, were dismissed cheaply, with Jasprit Bumrah claiming two of the early wickets.

India set 176-run target for Pakistan to win the crucial game of the ICC T20 World Cup.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made an early breakthrough, striking in the opening over to dismiss Abhishek Sharma for a duck. However, Kishan counterattacked with a flurry of boundaries to steady the innings and shift the momentum back in India’s favour.

The wicketkeeper-batter anchored India’s recovery with a fluent 77 off 40 deliveries, smashing 10 fours and three sixes before eventually falling to Ayub’s spin.

Saim Ayub took three wickets for just conceding 25 runs in four overs while Usman Tariq, Salman Agha and Shaheen Afridi took one wicket each.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first.

There is no change in the Pakistan lineup from the previous fixture.

TOSS & PLAYING XI

Pakistan win the toss and opt to field first

Unchanged team for today #PAKvIND | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #T20WorldCup | #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/M372BPQnGF

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 15, 2026

Historically, India have held the upper hand in T20 World Cup meetings between the two sides. Out of eight encounters, India have won seven, while Pakistan have secured just one victory.

Weather forecast

Chances of one of the most awaited clashes of the T20 World Cup 2026 – Pakistan vs India – become bright as prospects of rain in the evening dwindle.

According to AccuWeather website, the chances of rain in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, which is hosting the clash of titans, fall to 13 percent in the evening. However, the sky will remain overcast with wind at 24 km/h and humidity at 68 percent.

The Sri Lanka’s Meteorological Department, also forecast that the skies will remain cloudy, but there is no likelihood of heavy rainfall during the match hours.

Earlier, the Meteorological Department had forecast an 80 percent chance of rain in Colombo, with intermittent showers likely during the match.

SKIPPER SALMAN HAS A PLAN

On Saturday, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had mentioned during a press conference that the team has a plan in place if the match is affected by rain.

“We are ready; we just need to play good cricket. We are well adapted to the conditions here and are aware of the nature of the pitch. We can’t control the rain, but if the overs are reduced due to rain, we have a plan for that as well,” the skipper added.

Salman described spinner Usman Tariq as a “trump card.”

“All players are equal. You people have made Usman Tariq what he is; for us, he is a trump card.”

He added that there has been ongoing discussion about Usman’s bowling action. “Usman has been cleared twice. I don’t know why there is still talk about his action. But none of this affects us. You can’t stop anyone from expressing their opinion — everyone has that right.”

Regarding team selection, the captain said all 15 players in the squad are important to him, and anyone can be selected. “We will decide our playing XI after assessing the conditions. Babar Azam is scoring runs; it’s not a concern for us. Hopefully, Babar Azam will score runs [against India] as well.”

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Salman also acknowledged that Pakistan’s record against India in World Cups has not been very good. “But we have learned from history and will try to play positive cricket. We have planned for India’s entire playing XI.”

Responding to a question about India’s aggressive batter Abhishek Sharma, he said: “I hope Abhishek is recovering well and will be available for his team. When you are captain, it comes with extra responsibility and pressure. When you represent your country, all eyes are on you. We have to play good cricket on the field.”

The emotions in the Sri Lankan capital, in the meantime, are high as fans, local and foreign, are eagerly awaiting the high-voltage match between arch rivals. All tickets for the match have been sold out, hotels are fully booked, rooms are scarce, and rents have gone sky high.

Also read: India and Pakistan cricket fans flock to Colombo, windfall for tourism

Prices of flights and hotel bookings to Colombo, Sri Lanka, have soared as thousands of fans flock to the city to watch India play Pakistan on Sunday in cricket's Twenty20 World Cup.