Is Babar Azam the key to the India vs Pakistan match?: The India vs Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match has been the marquee match for the International Cricket Council (ICC). It gains a lot of attention from the broadcasters, ticket sales, sponsorships, and more. Over the years, the match has given some exciting memories for both cricket fans. India has a 7-1 record against Pakistan in this format of the game.

In the game, which is scheduled on 15th February, in Colombo, former Pakistan captain Babar Azam will be a key batter for his side. Given the conditions in Colombo, the pitches have been on the slower side, and the dimensions of the boundaries are big. As per the recent dynamics of playing T20 cricket, this is not a six-hitting ground.

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Babar Azam T20I stats vs India

Despite Babar’s poor form, the fans and the team have high expectations from the experienced campaigner to bring out his best against their arch-rivals. However, ahead of the game, we take a look at Babar Azam’s record against India in the five matches he played against them.

Can Babar Azam silence critics and rewrite his IND vs PAK narrative?

Babar, who has a solid technique and can anchor the innings, will be required for his crucial contribution in this high-stakes match. Babar is currently the leading run scorer in T20Is. He has played in both the T20 World Cup 2026 matches for Pakistan so far and registered scores of 15 and 46 runs against the Netherlands and the USA, respectively.

However, despite the expectations from the fans, Babar does not have a good record against the Men in Blue. He has to go through a solid test of quality Indian bowlers, comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel. He will not be able to silence his critics and rewrite his India vs Pakistan narrative and might yet again falter in the big game.

Babar Azam shares his India vs Pakistan match experience

Babar Azam has talked about the India vs Pakistan game while in an interview with broadcasters. The Pakistani batter has shared his experience of playing against the Men in Blue in the T20 World Cup.

Babar said, “India vs Pakistan match is always high intensity. The whole world, the fans, both the countries are involved. Like you said, the whole world is involved. It goes to a different level. Expectations also go to a different level. I have been a part of a lot of matches.”

Here's the video

🎙️ Babar Azam on the highly anticipated match against India pic.twitter.com/QVhSUueuUY

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 14, 2026

“I have also learnt that the more you keep yourself cool, relaxed, don't listen to the outside, the more you keep yourself straight forward, the better. From my experience, I talk to the youngsters, yes, there is excitement, but the more you keep yourself easy, tension free, it is better for you.”

Only once has Pakistan beaten India in the shortest format in any ICC major competition, which dates back to 2021 when Babar was the captain. The Men in Green then had a thumping victory by 10 wickets against their arch-rivals. Pakistan will hope to close the gap this time around as well.

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