The India vs Pakistan match on February 15 in Colombo will be played on a used pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium, with the surface expected to be slow and challenging for batters, TOI reported.

The fixture will take place on the same strip where Zimbabwe defeated Australia by 23 runs on Friday. Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2, before bowling Australia out for 146. Fast bowlers dominated that contest, with Blessing Muzarabani returning 4 for 17, the best bowling figures for Zimbabwe in a T20 World Cup match, while Brad Evans claimed 3 for 17. The pair shared seven wickets and struck early with the new ball.

Despite the pacers’ success in that game, the used surface and large boundaries are expected to enhance the role of spin in the high-profile clash.

India vs Pakistan pitch report for R Premadasa Stadium

The Premadasa surface has retained its traditional black soil characteristics throughout the tournament. The wicket has played slow and two-paced, offering grip for both finger and wrist spinners, along with variable bounce on used strips. Batters have found it difficult to hit through the line, particularly in the middle overs.

With India and Pakistan set to play on a used surface, the likelihood of turn increases further. In recent matches at the venue, spinners have controlled the tempo and forced batters into taking risks.Head-to-head record in T20 World Cup

Ind vs Pak: Head to head record

India and Pakistan have met 16 times in T20 World Cup history. India have won 12 of those matches, while Pakistan have secured three victories. One match ended in a tie.

In T20 World Cup contests specifically between the two sides, India hold a 6-1 record from eight completed games. One of those matches was tied and later decided via a bowl-out in India’s favour.

Spin likely to dictate middle overs at Colombo

At the pre-match press conference, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha indicated that spin could play a decisive role. “It’s possible that spinners dominate here,” Agha told reporters in Colombo. He added, “I feel fast bowlers will also have a role to play. Fast bowling is such a skill that on any surface you can’t write it off. So I think they will surely have a role. We have good spinners but also quality pacers who can be called upon if needed.”

Pakistan could consider fielding a five-pronged spin attack comprising Abrar Ahmad, Usman Tariq, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan and Saim Ayub. India, too, may look at including either Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI.

While earlier encounters between the two sides often centred on Pakistan’s pace attack against India’s batters, the focus this time could shift towards Pakistan’s spin options against India’s aggressive batting line-up. The used surface and expansive boundaries are expected to create a more balanced contest.

Fast bowlers are unlikely to succeed through pace alone. Cutters, cross-seam deliveries and variations in speed could prove more effective. Seamers capable of taking pace off the ball may play a key supporting role alongside the spinners.