Despite the delay in deciding to proceed with the India-Pakistan match, both teams say they are ready for Sunday’s showdown.
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Published February 14, 2026
Pakistan captain Salman Agha said his team was “always ready” to face India in the T20 World Cup on Sunday, despite only being given the green light a few days ago.
The biggest and most lucrative match in world cricket is expected to pack out the 35,000-capacity R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, with hundreds of millions more watching on television.
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The match was only confirmed late on Monday night after the Islamabad government reversed its order to boycott the blockbuster Group A match.
“This is a very big game, the scale is very big,” Aga said before the team practiced at the stadium on Saturday.
“No matter what decision we made, we were always ready for the game.”
Pakistan had a huge last over 3 wicket win in the first match against the Netherlands and then defeated the USA by 32 runs. India has also won both matches so far.
“We have good momentum and we hope being in Colombo from the start will help us in terms of conditions,” Agha said.
But he cautioned: “We have to play good cricket to win the match.”
The much-anticipated match could be hit by inclement weather, with rain forecast to fall on Sunday night.
Agha believes in the dominance of spin and called Tariq Usman a trump card against India’s powerful batting line-up.
“Tariq is bowling well and I am confident that the mystery element will make him a trump card for us,” Agha said, dispelling doubts about the legality of Tariq’s unique sling-arm action and the exaggerated pauses in his delivery.
“He’s been cleared twice, so no worries.”
Agha had hoped the players would shake hands, unlike the three Asian Cup matches held in Dubai last year.
“The game should be played in its true spirit,” Aga said.
“That has been the norm in cricket for many years, but only tomorrow will tell what path they want to take.”
The winner is guaranteed a spot in the next Super Eight round.
India have doubts over explosive opener Abhishek Sharma, who is suffering from gastroenteritis.
“I hope he can play tomorrow. I hope he is recovering well,” coach Aga said. “We want to play against the best player. We wish him the best of luck.”
