Can IND VS PAK Happen Again In The T20 World Cup 2026?

IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2026 (AFP)

After India brushed aside Pakistan in their Group A match, Pakistan secured a commanding 102-run victory over Namibia in their last T20 World Cup 2026 group stage match. The Men in Green delivered a complete performance at the Sinhalese Sports Club to secure a spot in the tournament’s Super 8 round. 

Under pressure after a heavy defeat by India, Pakistan went into the do-or-die game hoping to qualify for the rest of the T20 World Cup 2026. Thus, opting to strengthen their batting, Pakistan left out Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed and handed a middle-order role to Khawaja Nafay, while bringing in Salman Mirza.

Pakistan’s qualification makes the world championship even more interesting, with fans hoping for another high-voltage IND vs PAK match. 

That said, in this article, we explore the scenarios in which India could face Pakistan again in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. 

What happened when India and Pakistan played against each other? 

The Indian men’s cricket team continued their impressive run at the 2026 T20 World Cup, keeping alive hopes of achieving “breaking history” of successfully defending the title, winning the a record third T20 World Cup crown, and lifting the trophy as hosts. 

After relatively comfortable wins over the USA and Namibia in their opening two Group A fixtures, India travelled to Colombo for the tournament’s most-awaited and talked-about encounter - IND vs PAK. However, a rivalry defined by history and geopolitical tensions, the so-called ‘El Clásico’ of cricket couldn’t live up to the hype built around controversy and high drama.

After dismantling the Men in Green by 61 runs, India confirmed their Super 8 spot before even playing their final group stage clash. With wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan impressing one and all with a fluent knock of 77. 

How can IND vs PAK happen again in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026?

Securing the final berth in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 rounds, Pakistan are placed in the Group 2 along with Sri Lanka, England, and New Zealand. While India are in the 1st Group with the West Indies, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Thus, the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 schedule does not feature an IND vs PAK encounter at least during this round.  

Now the question arises: will India and Pakistan meet again in this tournament?

The briefest answer is YES – but only once more, at most.

If both the teams end up among the top two teams in their respective groups, they can meet in the semi-finals. On the other hand, if both teams top their groups or both finish second, they will be put on opposite sides of the semifinal bracket, thus meeting ultimately in the final.

It is important to note that any further IND vs PAK encounter would be held at a neutral venue, namely Sri Lanka. According to reports, Colombo is expected to host the knockout clashes played between the arch-rivals.