The stage is set for yet another electrifying chapter in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries as India and Pakistan prepare to face off in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15. The much-anticipated clash will take place at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Co-hosts India have been brilliant so far in the tournament, winning both of their games so far. Pakistan, too, have started their campaign with a bang, emerging victorious in both of their matches, albeit it was a narrow escape against Netherlands.
Their poor record against India at the T20 World Cups, though, remains a concern. In eight matches, the Men in Green have been able to defeat their rivals just once, facing seven defeats. With pressure soaring and expectations sky-high, Pakistan will rely on their match-winners to tilt the balance in their favour.
Here are three Pakistan players who could pose a threat to India:
3. Shaheen Afridi
The left-arm maestro from Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi will be one of the biggest threats to India. He delivered a breathtaking spell of 3/31 against India at the 2021 T20 World Cup to give Pakistan their first-ever win over India in World Cups.
This time too, Pakistan will bank on their premier fast bowler to take on the Indian challenge. If Shaheen removes Indian top-order cheaply, it will give the Men in Green a chance to restrict Suryakumar Yadav’s team to a low total.
2. Sahibzada Farhan
Pakistan’s aggressive opener Sahibzada Farhan will be Pakistan’s biggest weapon with the bat. With the Indian team having adopted an ultra-aggressive batting approach, Pakistan will be forced to bat in the same style, and Farhan can do that job.
In the 2025 Asia Cup, the right-hander had scored two half-centuries against India, famously hitting Jasprit Bumrah for multiple sixes. If Pakistan want to succeed against India, Farhan will have to have a good outing.
1. Usman Tariq
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The mystery spinner from Pakistan, Usman Tariq has been the talk of the town after making his T20 World Cup debut against USA. His bowling action and delayed release has created a storm in the cricketing world. In his short T20I career, Tariq has picked up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 5.37.
Even against the USA, he picked up three wickets, giving away only 27 runs. With Indian batters’ aggressive style of play, Pakistan will hope Tariq will create problems for the opposition with his mystery bowling.
