India’s T20 World Cup thriller against Pakistan in Colombo could be their toughest test against the arch-rivals in recent memory, believes former batsman Dinesh Karthik. The high-voltage encounter is set for Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium after days of uncertainty off the pitch.
The match has its usual weight, but this time Pakistan arrives with more faith in its own conditions and momentum. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Karthik warned that India’s batting could face serious scrutiny on the slower Colombo surfaces.
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“Tomorrow will be one of India’s biggest challenges against Pakistan in recent memory. Pakistan are starting as close as they have ever been in the game and have advanced against India in terms of their familiarity with the conditions. They have a better chance of pushing India than at any other time in the recent past. India’s batting will be tested more in the Colombo conditions,” Karthik said.
“India’s batting against spin on pitches that are slow and hold a bit has not been as good as on flatter pitches. There is a big difference in numbers. That is an area India will be wary of,” he added.
WILL INDIA GET A FIGHT FROM PAKISTAN?
Pakistan may not have the historical record in their favour, but their 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 campaign has given them a platform to challenge India more strongly than before. Two wins so far, albeit one a narrow escape against the Netherlands, have helped them build confidence heading into the biggest game of their group stage.
A major factor could be Pakistan’s bowling threat in Colombo, especially through the occultist Usman Tariq. On pitches that are expected to be slow and engaging, Tariq’s variations could prove to be a key weapon, especially against an Indian batting line-up that has looked much more comfortable on flatter surfaces. Pakistan’s familiarity with these conditions, Karthik pointed out, makes them a more dangerous opponent than in previous editions.
WHY ARE INDIA VS PAKISTAN FAVORITE?
Despite the warning, India still have the upper hand going into Sunday’s clash. Their form in the tournament has been dominant and they carry the momentum of a side that has been clinical across the departments.
History also gives India a psychological edge. In the T20 World Cup, India have won seven out of eight matches against Pakistan and have repeatedly been better at handling pressure moments on the biggest stage.
Add to that their recent dominance over Pakistan in overall international cricket, most recently a three-peat in the 2025 Asia Cup, and it’s easy to see why most would still place India as firm favourites, even if the conditions in Colombo promised a tougher challenge.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
February 15, 2026