Cricket’s fiercest duel unfolds in Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium for T20 World Cup 2026. Pakistan captain Salman Agha seized toss advantage, bowling first. Indian leader Suryakumar Yadav extended the ‘no handshake’ stance from Asia Cup 2025, signaling unwavering resolve amid the high-pressure atmosphere.
SKY shared insights: ‘We eyed batting but stick to winning defenses from recent games. Cricket humbles all—Abhishek and Kuldeep’s inclusion strengthens us.’ Post-Operation Sindoor, Asia Cup saw India dominate thrice—no handshakes, just emphatic wins, including the championship.
‘Operation White Ball’ has become synonymous with India’s mastery over Pakistan. In T20 World Cups, India boasts 7 wins from 8 vs Pakistan’s lone triumph.
Playing elevens—India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wkt-keeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq.
Beyond gestures, this clash probes strategic depths. Will Pakistan break the streak, or will India’s operation roll on? The stadium pulses with anticipation.