Pitch report from Colombo: India vs Pakistan to be played on used surface
Times of India
by PRATYUSH RAJFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on a used pitch in Colombo, which is expected to be slow and challenging for batters. This unique surface could significantly impact the game, with spinners likely to dominate over fast bowlers. The same pitch saw Zimbabwe defeat Australia earlier, where Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans excelled with their bowling, highlighting the potential challenges for strong batting line-ups.
Pakistan's captain Salman Agha hinted at a strategic shift in their gameplay, emphasizing the role of spinners while acknowledging the importance of fast bowlers. He mentioned Pakistan's strong contingent of spinners, including Abrar Ahmad, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, and Saim Ayub, who could be key players on this surface. On the other hand, India might consider adding experienced spinners like Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav to their lineup to counter Pakistan's spin attack.
The match marks a significant shift in dynamics between the two teams. Traditionally, Pakistan's pace attack was a major threat against India's batters, but the used pitch could change this narrative. With both teams likely focusing on spin, the contest is expected to be more balanced and strategically intriguing. Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating how this tactical adjustment will unfold in what promises to be a historic clash between two cricketing giants.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026