India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday 15 February 2026, with the match starting at 19:00 local time (UTC+5:30). R. Premadasa Stadium holds 35,000 spectators and is Sri Lanka’s premier international cricket venue, situated in the heart of Colombo and known for its electric atmosphere on big-match occasions.

India versus Pakistan is the single most-watched fixture in cricket, drawing audiences that regularly exceed one billion viewers worldwide. At ICC tournaments, the match takes on even greater significance, with national pride amplified across both countries and their vast global diasporas. India hold a superior head-to-head record in T20 World Cup encounters, and a 61-run winning margin was one of their most emphatic results in this storied rivalry.

India entered this match as defending T20 World Cup champions and tournament favorites, their squad combining the world’s top-ranked players with deep tactical knowledge of Indian and Sri Lankan conditions. Pakistan arrived with their trademark mix of explosive talent and unpredictability, the qualities that had made them dangerous against any opposition on any given day.

The 61-run margin told a clear story. India’s bowling attack, particularly their spinners exploiting the Colombo surface, dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup after India had posted a competitive total. For Pakistan, the defeat forced an early recalibration of their Group A strategy.

Timezone conversions for the 19:00 IST (UTC+5:30) start: India: 19:00 IST, London: 13:30 GMT, New York: 08:30 EST, Sydney: 00:30 AEDT.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was the 10th edition, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams across 55 matches between 7 February and 8 March 2026. India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This win over Pakistan was a pivotal moment in India’s journey to the title.

For timezone conversions, check Colombo time, India time, and Pakistan time.