🏏 IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026 Live: Pakistan 9/2 in 1.4 Overs While Chasing 176 in Colombo, India Firmly on Top
The blockbuster clash between India national cricket team and Pakistan national cricket team in Match 27 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has taken an early dramatic turn at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
After India posted a competitive total of 175/7 in 20 overs, Pakistan’s chase has stumbled right at the start. At just 9/2 in 1.4 overs, Pakistan finds itself under immense pressure, needing 167 runs from 110 balls with a required run rate of 9.10.
Win Probability at this stage:
- India: 81.80%
- Pakistan: 18.20%
India’s First Innings Recap – 175/7
India’s total was anchored by a blistering 77 off 40 balls from Ishan Kishan, who dominated Pakistan’s bowling during the powerplay and middle overs.
Key Contributions:
Ishan Kishan – 77 (40)
Tilak Varma – 25 (24)
Suryakumar Yadav – 32 (29)
Shivam Dube – 27 (17)
Despite a late slowdown, India managed to reach 175 — a total considered above par on a slightly tacky Colombo surface.
Pakistan’s Chase – Nightmare Start
Pakistan’s innings began under lights with clear dew factor starting to build. However, instead of using the conditions to their advantage, they suffered two quick setbacks.
Score: 9/2 (1.4 overs)
This early collapse has dramatically shifted momentum in India’s favor.
Current Run Rate (CRR): 4.50
Required Run Rate (RRR): 9.10
Chasing 176 in an India–Pakistan World Cup fixture is always mentally demanding. Losing two wickets inside the first two overs adds scoreboard pressure instantly.
Pressure Equation
Pakistan now needs:
167 runs
110 balls remaining
Required run rate over 9 per over
This means there is little room for consolidation. One more early wicket could turn this into a near-impossible chase.
Tactical Breakdown – What Pakistan Must Do
- Stabilize for 3–4 overs.
- Rotate strike to disrupt bowling rhythm.
- Target weaker bowling options rather than attack blindly.
- Preserve wickets until the 10-over mark.
If Pakistan reaches 70–80 runs by 10 overs with 3 or fewer wickets down, the match reopens.
If they lose another wicket early, India’s grip tightens significantly.
India’s Bowling Strategy
India is likely to:
Attack with pace upfront.
Use variations in middle overs.
Introduce spin to exploit tackiness.
Protect square boundaries.
The early breakthroughs suggest India’s bowlers have executed their new-ball plan effectively.
Colombo Conditions – Match Factor
R. Premadasa Stadium often assists:
Spinners in middle overs.
Slower balls.
Tactical bowling changes.
Dew later in the innings could help Pakistan, but only if wickets are preserved.
Right now, psychological pressure outweighs surface conditions.
The Momentum Shift
From posting 175 to reducing Pakistan to 9/2, India has dominated both innings so far.
Win probability heavily favors India at 81.80%, but T20 cricket can flip quickly with one partnership.
What Pakistan Needs Now
A 70+ run partnership.
Aggressive but calculated batting.
Boundary flow without panic.
Calm leadership under pressure.
Match Situation Snapshot
Target: 176
Pakistan: 9/2 (1.4 overs)
Required Rate: 9.10
India Advantage: Strong
Big Picture
This isn’t just a group-stage match. India vs Pakistan in a World Cup is always psychological warfare. An early collapse adds tension, magnifies pressure, and tests temperament.
If India picks up one more wicket inside the powerplay, this could become one-sided. If Pakistan rebuilds, the contest revives instantly.
