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Pakistan choose to bowl first against India in a tense ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash after winning the toss in Colombo. With key team changes, tricky pitch conditions, and huge rivalry pressure- who will seize the early advantage tonight?
Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and chose to field
Colombo: Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and chose to field against India in their crucial Group A encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday evening. The decision came after assessing pitch conditions that appeared slightly tacky and likely to assist bowlers early in the match.
Speaking at the toss, Agha said the surface looked slower than expected and could provide movement for bowlers during the opening overs. Confident with recent team balance and performances, Pakistan named an unchanged playing XI for the marquee contest.
The captain also highlighted the larger ground dimensions compared to other venues, suggesting that disciplined bowling and sharp fielding would be key factors in restricting India’s batting lineup.
Will rain disrupt the high-voltage IND vs PAK T20 match? Check Colombo weather report here
Pakistan entered the match aiming to maintain momentum in the group stage, banking on stability in team selection and clarity in roles across departments.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that his side would have preferred to bat first but remained confident regardless of the toss outcome. Emphasising the unpredictable nature of high-pressure contests, he noted that any team can emerge victorious on a given day.
India made two changes to the lineup, bringing in Abhishek Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav in place of Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh. The adjustments signal a strategic shift aimed at strengthening both top-order flexibility and spin options on a surface expected to aid slower bowlers as the game progresses.
India’s XI features Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Harbhajan Singh warns India about Pakistan spinner ahead of T20 World Cup clash
Pakistan’s lineup includes Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq.
With intense rivalry, tactical adjustments, and knockout-stage implications surrounding the fixture, the latest chapter of cricket’s most watched contest promises high drama from the very first ball.
