The host countries have been placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, the United States, the Netherlands and Namibia. Meanwhile, Australia are in Group B with Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland and Oman.
India has won the T20 World Cup twice. They lifted the trophy for the first time in the inaugural edition in 2007, beating Pakistan in a nail-biting final under MS Dhoni. The Men in Blue are also the defending champions, having clinched the 2024 title after beating South Africa in the final under Rohit Sharma.
On the other hand, Australia have won the marquee T20 event once to secure the title in the 2021 edition after beating New Zealand in the final following an impressive knock from current Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh. The last time India and Australia faced each other in the final of an ICC event was during the 2023 ODI World Cup in Ahmedabad, where Australia produced a dominant display to lift the trophy.
The Men in Blue would be gearing up to make history and look to be the first team to defend their crown and win the T20 World Cup at home.
India defeated Pakistan, says Michael Clarke
One of the most anticipated clashes during the 2026 T20 World Cup will be the meeting between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The two teams will face each other in Colombo on February 15.
Clarke said while fans are hoping for a closely contested match, India have consistently had the upper hand against Pakistan for an extended period. He also pointed out that Pakistan would have to handle the pressure better if it wants to beat its rivals.
“Everyone wants to see it tight. But India has outmatched them (PAK) for a long period of time. Pakistan hasn’t even been close. Pakistan has to be able to handle the pressure of playing against India and that rivalry,” he said on Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
The two countries have faced each other eight times in the history of the T20 World Cup. India has emerged victorious six times, while Pakistan has managed just one win, while one match has ended in a draw. The last time the two teams met in the tournament, in the 2024 edition, Pakistan suffered a narrow six-run defeat after failing to reach a modest target of 120.
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