T20 World Cup: Pakistan Chooses to Field Against India Amid Tense Atmosphere

Feb 15, 2026

75 min

Feb 15, 2026 13:30

T20 World Cup: No handshake as Pakistan elect to field against India

## Pre-Match Tensions

The much-anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 clash between India and Pakistan took place in Colombo on February 15. The match was surrounded by drama, with Pakistan initially threatening to boycott in support of Bangladesh, who withdrew from the tournament over security and scheduling issues. Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland.

## Toss and Team Decisions

Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. Captain Salman Agha confirmed they would maintain their current lineup. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav was not concerned about losing the toss, as India had planned to bat first. Key players for India included Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav.

## Historical Context

India and Pakistan have faced each other 16 times in T20 World Cup history, with India winning 12 matches and Pakistan securing three victories. One match ended in a tie.

## Expert Opinions

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly expressed confidence in India's strength, citing their balanced team and experience in big matches. However, he noted that the outcome would depend on the performance during the match.

## Captains' Perspectives

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged the pressure of playing against Pakistan, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. Pakistan's Salman Agha downplayed any home advantage, stressing the importance of executing plans effectively to win.

## Security and Weather Concerns

Heavy security was in place for the match, and weather conditions were a concern, with rain potentially impacting play. Both teams entered the match with four points each from two wins in Group A.

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