IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: Abhishek Out for Duck in First Over as Salman Strikes Early

The stage is set for one of cricket’s most electrifying rivalries as India and Pakistan clash in a Group A T20 World Cup 2026 encounter at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan captain Salman Agha won the toss and opted to bowl first, giving India the chance to set a target under lights. The match sees India making two changes, with Abhishek Sharma replacing Sanju Samson and Kuldeep Yadav coming in for Arshdeep Singh.

The match began dramatically as Pakistan’s Salman Mirza struck early, sending Abhishek Sharma back to the pavilion for a duck in the first over. This opening wicket immediately heightened the tension, setting the tone for a high-pressure contest where every run and wicket could prove decisive.

India’s squad boasts a powerful top order led by Suryakumar Yadav, with support from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube in the middle order. Jasprit Bumrah leads a fearsome pace attack, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy provide spin options, giving India a well-rounded bowling unit capable of changing the game in a single over.

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Pakistan, though historically struggling against India, enters the match with determination. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman anchor the batting lineup, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan bring experience and skill to the bowling attack. The team is eager to overturn previous setbacks in Asia Cups and T20 World Cups.

Off the field, the intense rivalry continues to draw global attention. The absence of handshakes between captains has added an edge to the fixture, making every action on the pitch and in the dugout a talking point. Fans are keenly watching as individual battles, including spin duels and strokeplay from Abhishek Sharma and Fakhar Zaman, could decide the outcome.

Playing XI:

• India: Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

• Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq, Salman Mirza

The live telecast is available on Star Sports Network, while fans can stream the match online via the JioHotstar app and website, ensuring cricket enthusiasts worldwide don’t miss a single moment of the high-voltage encounter.

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