The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai played host to a gripping Group C encounter as Nepal took on the heavyweights, West Indies, in the 25th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Under the afternoon sun and amidst a vocal crowd, the narrative of the first innings was one of survival, grit, and a stunning late-over blitz. After West Indies won the toss and elected to field, their pace attack initially looked set to steamroll the Rhinos, but Dipendra Singh Airee produced a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket to lead a remarkable Nepali recovery.

The match began with West Indies asserting total dominance. Matthew Forde and Akeal Hosein exploited the early movement under the humid Mumbai skies, leaving Nepal reeling at a precarious 17/3 within the first five overs. The top order struggled to cope with the bounce and discipline of the Caribbean veterans, with captain Rohit Paudel falling victim to a marginal LBW call via DRS. When Aarif Sheikh departed for a sluggish 2 off 8 balls, Nepal looked in danger of a sub-100 total, sitting at 23/4 after the Powerplay—the lowest of the tournament so far at this venue.

Dipendra Singh Airee rescues Nepal with a sensational innings against West Indies 

With the scorecard reading a dismal 46/5 in the 11th over, the stage was set for Nepal’s premier all-rounder, Airee, to showcase his maturity. Rather than swinging blindly, Airee anchored the innings with tactical precision. He initially rotated the strike, finding the gaps against the spin of Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase. However, it was the arrival of Sompal Kami at the fall of the sixth wicket that truly shifted the momentum.

The duo orchestrated a sensational 50-run partnership off just 24 balls for the seventh wicket. Airee, who eventually reached a gritty 58 off 47 balls, unleashed a flurry of boundaries, including three towering sixes that cleared the Wankhede ropes with ease. His ability to manipulate the field forced West Indies captain Shai Hope to rethink his death-over strategies. While Airee played the role of the aggressor, Kami provided the perfect foil, remaining unbeaten on a rapid 26 off 15 balls, ensuring the tail wagged effectively.

Here’s the video:

Also READ: WI vs NEP, T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Romario Shepherd is not playing today’s match

Nepal put up a competitive total in a crucial T20 World Cup 2026 encounter

Despite the late-innings fireworks, Jason Holder proved why he remains a vital cog in the West Indies machine. Holder was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with exceptional figures of 4/27, including the crucial wicket of Airee in the final over just as he looked to clear the boundary once more. Shamar Joseph and Forde provided strong support, keeping the pressure on the lower order despite the late leak of runs.

Nepal finished their 20 overs at 133/8, a total that seemed improbable during the first ten overs. The match flow suggests a game of two halves: the West Indies dominated the Powerplay (22 runs, 3 wickets), but Nepal roared back in the final five overs, plundering 60 runs at an economy of 12.00. The momentum from that late counter-attack has given the Nepali bowlers something to defend on a pitch that is showing signs of slowing down.

Also READ: Fans react as Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram lead South Africa to emphatic win over New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026

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The Women’s Metro Bank One Day Cup – effectively the Women’s
County Championship, as there is no multi-day women’s cricket – takes a brief
respite from 20th May, after eight rounds of games, to accommodate the T20
Blast fixtures. There is then a brief resumption for two rounds at the end of
July, before the competition comes to a climax in September with the final four
rounds, the semi-finals, and the Final. Blessed by great weather
throughout April and May, no games have been lost and the majority of the
England contracted players have played, when not ruled out by injury. It has
been a great start to the tournament, with plenty of tight games (including two
ties) and some great individual performances. There have already been 14 hundreds
(a record number in 50 over domestic women’s cricket) and four five-fors.

This is how the table currently looks

Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the underperformance
of Surrey. With a team stacked full of England-capped batters (Wyatt-Hodge, Smith,
Capsey, Dunkley, Scholfield and Davidson-Richards) you would have expected them
to have blown away their opposition through sheer weight of runs, particularly
playing their home games at Beckenham – a true batter’s paradise. In fact they
have played four 50 over games there and won only won. They did also tie against
The Blaze, with each team putting 346/9 on the board. They have scored plenty
of runs, but defending decent-looking scores has been their big issue. 

At the top of the table a young Hampshire side have probably exceeded even their
own expectations losing just one game to The Blaze, after tieing their first
against Warwickshire. Their strength has been in their consistent bowling
attack, bowling four teams out for less than 209, with leading wicket-taker
left arm spinner Linsey Smith to the fore. Batting-wise young Ella McCaughan
hit a magnificent 133* at Southport to beat Lancashire and has two other 50s
under her belt. Maia Bouchier also has three 50s to her name, but has not gone
on to the big score that both she and England probably wanted. Overseas import,
Australian Charli Knott, has also scored three fifties and taken eight
wickets.

Tight on Hampshire’s heels are Lancashire, who have finally got the results
people have expected of them in past seasons, and the majority of their wins have
been without the injured Sophie Ecclestone in their ranks. Their success has
been based around the consistent opening partnership of Emma Lamb and Eve
Jones. Together they have had three opening stands of over 100 and two more of
over 50. They are both right up there as leading run scorers this season, and
Lamb, who has also taken wickets with her off-spin, has earned a recall to the
England squad for the West Indies series.

The Blaze (Notts to you and me) overcame Somerset, right behind them in the
league, in the last game of this bloc of fixtures to keep up their challenge.
They were many people’s pre-season favourites. They have lost both their
encounters with Lancashire, but have won the rest of their games. The Blaze
have had some good team performances led by stand-in skipper Kathryn Bryce,
performing with both bat and ball; two hundreds from Tammy Beaumont; and
Georgia Elwiss chipping in with useful runs when they have been needed most.

As for Somerset they have been led from the front by skipper Sophie Luff, who
has hit a century and three scores over 50. Aussie Amanda Jade Wellington has
also frequently shown her worth, both with the ball, and as a closer with the
bat. She has hit 178 runs at a superb strike rate of over 145. Perhaps
inexperience has let one or two games slip from their grasp particularly down
at Taunton.

At the other end of the table Durham got their season off to a perfect start
with a crunching nine wicket win over Essex, during which Phoebe Turner took
4-33. With 17 wickets she is currently the league’s top wicket-taker. In the return
fixture the result was equally emphatic with a six wicket win. But that, and a
tight victory over Warwickshire, are their only wins. Perhaps it is no surprise
that both of those defeated teams are the others propping up the table. Runs have
proved hard to come by for Durham with a lot depending on Suzie Bates, Hollie
Armitage and Mady Villiers at the top of the order. 

Almost the opposite is true of Warwickshire whose blushes have been saved by
their lower middle order in several of their games. Emily Arlott, Charis Pavely
and Georgia Davis have all scored over 50 batting at 7 and below. In fact
Arlott went on to post 130 against Essex. Arlott has also been consistently in
the wickets, which has resulted in her too getting a call-up to the latest
England squad, as new England Head Coach Charlotte Edwards is true to her word
that form matters.

And firmly rooted to the bottom of the table are last year’s 50 over champions
Essex (when they were called Sunrisers). They have managed just the one win,
over Lancashire. Grace Scrivens scored back-to-back hundreds against The Blaze
and Hampshire, but both were in a losing cause. They have got into winning
positions in a few games, but have failed to get over the line. Their season
looks done with just six games to come.

With the England internationals presumably available and encouraged to play
again in all the remaining matches in the competition, you would expect Surrey
to perform better in the second half of the season and join Hampshire, Lancashire
and The Blaze in the semi-finals come September.

Martin Davies
20/V/25

England vs Italy 29th Match World Cup 2026 Dream11 today match prediction. World Cup T20. Who will win today match ENG vs ITA? We provide 100 % sure today cricket match prediction tips by Raja Babu with Dream11 Fantasy Team Prediction. World Cup toss prediction. Live score with the ball-by-ball update. Cricket toss prediction.

Full Details of Today Match Prediction

The world is ready to witness yet another big battle of World Cup T20. The 29th match of World Cup T20 2026 is scheduled to be played between England and Italy on Monday, 16th February 2026 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. We are posting safe, accurate, and secure today match prediction of ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

ENG vs ITA Match Review

England had performed well in this edition of T20 World Cup. They had played three matches with two wins to their name. They had lost one match and are holding the second position on the points table of Group C. The key players of this team are in good form and we are sure that they will also perform well in this match. The performance of Italy had been average in this tournament. They had played two matches with one win to their name. They had lost one match and are laying at the second position from the bottom of the points table of Group C. The key players of this team are in good form and we are sure that they will also perform well in this match.

England Reviews

England had won their most recent match of this tournament against Scotland with the margin of five wickets. They won the toss and decided to field first. The performance of their bowling unit was good and they leaked 152 runs. They send the full team of Scotland back to the pavilion in 19.4 overs. Adil Rashid was the most successful and highest wicket-taker from their side with three wickets to his name in four overs against 36 runs. Jofra Archer also performed well in the previous match and picked two wickets while he was charged for 24 runs in four overs.

Liam Dawson also performed well in the previous match and picked two wickets while Jamie Overton and Sam Curran picked one wicket each. The batting order of England also performed well in the previous match and they chased the target of 153 runs in 18.2 overs. Tom Banton was the most successful and highest run-scorer from their side who remained not out after scoring 63 runs on 41 balls with the help of four boundaries and three huge sixes. Jacob Bethell also performed well in the previous match and scored 32 runs on 28 balls and he smashed two boundaries and one huge six during his inning. Sam Curran scored 28 runs while Will Jacks remained not out after scoring 16 runs.

Italy Reviews

Italy had won their previous match of this tournament against Nepal with a handsome margin of ten wickets. They won the toss and decided to field first. The performance of their bowling unit was good and they leaked 123 runs. They send the full team of Nepal back to the pavilion in 19.3 overs. Crishan Kalugamage was the most successful and highest wicket-taker from their side with three wickets to his name in four overs against 18 runs. Ben Manenti also performed well in the previous match and picked two wickets while he was charged for nine runs in four overs.

Ali Hasan, JJ Smuts, and Jaspreet Singh also performed well in the previous match and picked one wicket each while Grant Stewart was the only bowler from their side who failed to pick any wicket. The batting order of Italy also performed well in the previous match and they chased the target of 124 runs in 12.4 overs without losing any wicket. Anthony Mosca was the most successful and highest run-scorer from their side who remained not out after scoring 62 runs on 32 balls with the help of three boundaries and six huge sixes. Justin Mosca also performed well in the previous match and remained not out after scoring 60 runs on 44 balls with the help of five boundaries and three huge sixes.

England vs Italy Head to Head Matches Record

England had never faced Italy in any T20 cricket match and this will be the first match between these two teams.

Favorite Team in Today Match Prediction

England is overall a strong team as compared to the Italy at least on papers. According to our T20 World Cup match prediction, England is the favorite team who will win this match. There are many factors that make England a favorite team to win this match. Some of the key factors are mentioned as under:

• England had performed well in this tournament
• The batting order of England is strong
• The bowling unit of England is also strong
• Italy is also a strong team
• The bowling unit of Italy is strong

Winning Chances of Today Match for the Both Teams

England is full of experianced and young players of the t20 foramt. The batting order of this team is also strong and some well known hitter of t20 format are the part of the squad of this team, so the winning chances of today match for England have been increased. The equation of who will win today cricket match prediction and who will win the cricket match today is mentioned as under.

England  has a 58% chance to win this match
Italy has a 42% chance to win this match

Toss Prediction in Today Match Prediction

The toss is playing an important role in the decision of all games of World Cup T20. Having a good total on the board is always a big advantage in these kind of big matches. According to our toss prediction, the team who will win the toss may choose to bat first. Remember that a total of six matches of ICC T20 World Cup had been played on this venue and all matches were won by batting first team.

Pitch Report and Conditions for Today Match

The 29th match of World Cup T20 2026 is going to be held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. We had observed in the previous matches played here that the pitch here at this venue is good for batting. The pitch is bouncy and fast and run-scoring is not much easy in ealy and middle overs. We are hoping that the surface is bound to get slower and be a bit more difficult for batting in this match. A score of 180 is going to be tough to chase.

Weather Report for Today Match

The weather forecast for today match in Kolkata is predicting some clouds around on match day and the weather forecast is also predicting some chances of rain but we are hoping for a full and uninterrupted match.

Who Will Win England vs Italy, 29th Match World Cup 2026

Who Will Win England vs Italy 29th Match World Cup 2026 Toss-ENG

Who Will Win England vs Italy 29th Match World Cup 2026 Match-ENG

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Possible Playing XI of Both Teams for This Match

England

Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.

Italy

Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.

Key Players to Watch

Tom Banton, Adil Rashid, Anthony Mosca, and Crishan Kalugamage are key players to watch in this match.

Dream 11 Predictions for Today’s Match

Dream11 Prediction for England vs Italy, 29th Match ICC T20 World Cup 2026. After checking the latest player’s availability, the Dream 11 Team for this match of England vs Italy,is mentioned under.

ENG vs ITA Dream11 Fantasy Team

We will update you shortly.

Today Match Time & Date

Date: Monday, 16th February 2026
Time: 09:30 AM GMT / 03:00 PM LOCAL / 03:00 PM IST

Today Match Venue Details, Facts, and History

Stadium: Eden Gardens
Location: Kolkata, India
Opened: 1864
Capacity: 63000
Ends: High Court End, Pavilion End
Time Zone: UTC +05:30
Home To: Bengal, Kolkata Knight Riders
Floodlights: Yes
Curator: Probir Mukherjee

Venue Scoring Pattern in T20s

Total Matches: 16
Matches won batting first: 7
Matches won bowling first: 9
Average 1st innings Score: 158
Average 2nd innings Score: 138
Highest total recorded: 207/4 (20 Ovs) By SCO vs ITA
Lowest total recorded: 70/10 (15.4 Ovs) By BAN vs NZ
Highest score chased: 162/4 (18.5 Ovs) By IND vs WI
Lowest score defended: 186/5 (20 Ovs) By IND vs WI

England T20 World Cup Squad

Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood.

Italy T20 World Cup Squad

Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Ben Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

Disclaimer

We have provided you above-mentioned today match prediction on the basis of our research, understanding, and analysis. You can consider the point we had provided you and the 29th and decision will be yours that you have to make.

Austin Sommerlad | 12:00am GMT 08 February 2026

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is back, in 2026 India and Sri Lanka will co-host one of the most prestigious tournament in the sport. This is a short and exciting format of the game, where each team plays 20 overs (short, intense matches). It lasts about a month and is great for both fans and sports betting https://refpa3665.com/L?tag=d_5226648m_53523c_&site=5226648&ad=53523&r=registration thanks to its fast pace and frequent momentum shifts during each match. Every mistake can cost a team a place in the next stage. As a result, it keeps cricket fans around the world fully engaged.

For India, this World Cup is especially meaningful. As the reigning T20 champions and co-hosts, they will be under enormous pressure to perform. In this MelBet Review we discover the main expectations from the tournament, what the format will be handle and how to make your T20 World Cup experience unforgettable and profitable.

How the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Works

The T20 (Twenty20) Cricket World Cup is built around speed, intensity, and constant action. Each team plays 20 overs, creating matches where momentum can shift in seconds.

The tournament appeals to both fans and bettors thanks to its dynamic nature. Here, even a small mistake can determine whether a team advances or exits.

In T20, every appearance on the field feels like a mini-final. A batsman has only minutes to make an impact. A bowler knows that one poor spell can ruin the team’s plan. Captains must make instant decisions under pressure, often without time for careful analysis.

Even experienced players struggle in such conditions. This format is a true test of character, focus, and mental strength.

About the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Dates and Format

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, with matches hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will feature 20 national teams that qualified through automatic berths, regional qualifiers, and ranking pathways. Full details on the official schedule, teams, and tournament structure are available on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 official page.

The competition is divided into several stages:

• Group Stage — teams compete within their groups;
• Super 8s Round — the strongest teams advance;
• Playoffs — semifinals and final.

This multi-stage format is designed to gradually identify the best teams and keep the tournament competitive until the very end.

Main Intrigues of the Tournament

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is the absence of Bangladesh. Their withdrawal has sparked widespread discussion and has already influenced the overall perception of the championship.

Scotland has taken their place, a move that reshapes the competitive balance. This change affects tactics, match expectations, and group dynamics, making predictions far less certain.

The situation is further complicated by the absence of several top players. As a result, teams are forced to look for new solutions and rely on emerging talents. This creates opportunities for unexpected heroes and fresh storylines — turning uncertainty into one of the tournament’s main sources of excitement.

Can India Defend Their Title at Home?

Another major storyline of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is India’s performance at home. As the reigning champions, they enter the tournament under heavy pressure — not only to meet expectations, but to prove their last title was no accident.

After winning the 2024 World Cup, India went through a rough period, losing ODI series to Sri Lanka, the World Test Championship to New Zealand, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia. But 2025 marked a strong comeback, with an Asia Cup win and successful series against New Zealand and England.

India arrive with a fresh look after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is, with Suryakumar Yadav now leading the squad. One of the biggest talking points is the omission of Shubman Gill, who missed out on the final 15 despite captaining the team in other formats, highlighting India’s focus on building a new core for the tournament.

Home conditions give India a clear advantage, but also raise expectations. The key question is simple: can they defend their title and confirm their status as the leading force in T20 cricket?

Choose Your Colors at the 2026 T20 World Cup

At the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, you are not limited to supporting just one team. Modern cricket is about choice. You decide which colors to stand behind — and once you do, that team becomes yours, with all its wins and setbacks. In this format, new favorites can emerge at any stage of the tournament.

Beyond the hosts, several strong contenders are ready to fight for the cup. England bring aggressive batting and strong squad depth. Australia remains a classic tournament team that knows how to peak at the right time. Pakistan offer unpredictability and elite bowling, capable of changing any match in their favor. New Zealand rely on discipline and balance, while South Africa focus on power and athleticism.

Several stars are expected to shape the tournament. Jasprit Bumrah leads India’s attack with control and consistency. Phil Salt gives England explosive starts with his high strike rate. Travis Head remains Australia’s key weapon at the top order. And Rashid Khan continues to be Afghanistan’s X-factor with his wicket-taking leg-spin.

Together, they bring pace, power, and reliability — qualities that can decide the biggest matches of the tournament.

Each of these teams has its own identity, giving fans many reasons to choose a side. And no matter who you support, with Melbet India you stay in a winning position — enjoying the action, the emotions, and top betting opportunities throughout the tournament.

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India is all set to lock horns with Pakistan at the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday (February 16) in the high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 Group C match. Ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, Irfan Pathan issued a stern warning to Jasprit Bumrah.

Irfan Pathan sends a strong message to Jasprit Bumrah ahead of India vs Pakistan clash

The former Indian pacer wants Jasprit Bumrah to attack Sahibzada Farhan with full balls straight at the stumps, as the Pakistan opener has been impressive against the ace Indian pacer.

Sahibzada has smashed three sixes and scored 51 runs from just 34 balls against Bumrah in T20Is. He made the runs against Bumrah at an impressive strike rate of 150, and surprisingly, the bowler is yet to dismiss the Pakistani star.

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But Pathan feels the story can be different in Colombo. He wants Bumrah to go full, make Farhan drive, and bring bowled and LBW into play to get success.

Plan should be to target the stumps: Irfan Pathan’s advice to Jasprit Bumrah

Irfan Pathan said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Sahibzada Farhan has played Jasprit Bumrah well with a strike rate of 150. He stands quite upright. So, he plays the backfoot shot with the horizontal bat quite well when the ball is between the mid-thigh and stomach.”

The cricket pandit further added, “How about we set a field and bowl him full deliveries into the stumps at the start, inviting him to drive? If Jasprit Bumrah does this, he can surely get Sahibzada out. Yes, his variations will come in handy, but the plan should be to target the stumps.”

Irfan Pathan reveals master plan to trap Babar Azam

Meanwhile, Pathan also shared a strategy to outsmart Babar Azam, who now bats in the middle order. He feels India must not allow easy singles and build early pressure on Babar.

The cricket pandit explained, “India should squeeze the singles. Just don’t let him take a single. Let him hit the sweep; keep that area empty. Keep the midwicket and cover fielders up.

Read Also: Sanjay Manjrekar goes pro-Pakistan, blasts India over handshake boycott

Let him hit a boundary at the start because that is not his strength. He played well in the last match, but this is a new role for him. I think our spinners will put the squeeze on him. Bring in Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy as soon as Babar Azam comes to bat.”

Irfan Pathan admits Pakistan’s Sri Lanka edge but backs India’s spin magic

Pathan admitted that there is one small edge for Pakistan, as they have already played two group matches in Sri Lanka in the tournament and acclimatised to the temperature and the humidity.

But their batting is not that strong, and that’s where India’s spin attack could cause a big problem for them, according to the former Indian World Cup winner.

He signed off by saying, “A batsman like Babar Azam is batting in the middle order. Imagine our spinners Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel bowling in tandem. Pakistan, who have all-rounders after No. 5, will have to play their bowling in the middle overs. This won’t be easy.”

The stage is set for the most electric fixture in world cricket. Tomorrow, the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will transform into a pressure cooker as defending champions India take on a resurgent Pakistan in a Group A clash that could decide the top spot of the table. With both teams currently unbeaten in the tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner effectively punches their ticket to the Super 8s.

Under the clinical leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian side has operated like a well-oiled machine throughout the tournament. The major talking point heading into this clash is the highly anticipated return of the world’s No. 1 ranked T20 batter, Abhishek Sharma, who is expected to bolster the top order after recovering from the illness that sidelined him against Namibia. India’s middle-order X-Factor remains their greatest strength, with Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya both in blistering form, providing the explosive finishing power necessary to post a daunting total. Perhaps most crucial for this Colombo fixture is India’s spin surge on a R. Premadasa track notorious for its grip and turn, the duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, who have already combined for eight wickets in the competition will serve as India’s primary weapons to dismantle the opposition’s scoring rate.

Pakistan enter this high-stakes encounter under the composed guidance of Salman Ali Agha, showing a level of middle-order temperament that has often eluded them in previous editions. The batting unit has found a reliable anchor in Sahibzada Farhan, who has been the tournament’s standout performer for them, amassing 120 runs in just two outings. While the bowling fire of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf will be looking to exploit any early moisture under the Colombo lights, Pakistan’s tactical edge may lie in their variety. Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin is expected to be particularly lethal on this surface, creating a fascinating tactical battle against India’s aggressive batters in the middle overs.

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium for this marquee clash is expected to be a traditional black soil surface that is typically sluggish and two-paced. While openers may find decent bounce and carry early in the evening, the track historically wears down quickly, making stroke-making difficult as the match progresses. With an average first-innings score of 143, this used surface will heavily favour spinners who can grip and turn the ball, while pacers must rely on cutters and variations rather than raw speed. Expect a tactical middle-overs grind where strike rotation is as vital as power-hitting.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Is Abhishek Sharma fit for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan? Star Indian opener gives massive update

R. Premadasa Stadium Stats and Records

• Total matches: 62
• Matches won batting first: 26
• Matches won bowling first: 35
• Average 1st innings scores: 143
• Average 2nd innings scores: 128
• Highest total recorded: 215/5 (19.4 Ovs) By Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest total recorded: 80/10 (17.2 Ovs) By Afghanistan vs England
• Highest score chased: 215/5 (19.4 Ovs) By Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 115/6 (20 Ovs) By South Africa vs Sri Lanka

Also READ: The ‘Zimbabwe Prophecy’: Why history says Suryakumar Yadav’s India will lift the T20 World Cup 2026?

India A Women defeated Pakistan A Women by eight wickets in the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 on February 15 at the Terdthai Cricket Ground in Bangkok. Pakistan A Women were bowled out for 93 in 18.5 overs, with Shawaal Zulfiqar scoring 23 and Gull Rukh adding 21.

For India A, Saima Thakor, Radha Yadav and Prema Rawat took two wickets each. India A chased down the target in 10.1 overs, finishing at 97/2, with Vrinda Dinesh smashing an unbeaten 55 to seal a comfortable win.

Top Batting performance of the match – Vrinda Dinesh

India A Women were set a target of 94, and the chase proved straightforward for the batters. Opener Vrinda Dinesh smashed an unbeaten 55 off 29 balls, striking 12 fours at an impressive strike rate of 189.66. She also stitched a 79-run partnership off 50 balls for the second wicket with Anushka Sharma, guiding India A to a comfortable victory.

Top Bowling performance of the match – Saima Thakor

Saima Thakor was the top bowling performer of the match, returning figures of 2/14 in her four overs. She maintained an excellent economy rate of 3.50, not allowing the Pakistan A Women batters to score freely. She bowled Yusra Amir for one run and also dismissed captain Hafsa Khalid for one, keeping the opposition under control.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Vrinda Dinesh smashed an unbeaten half-century to guide the India A Women to victory. For her brilliant innings, she was adjudged the Player of the Match. Her runs proved crucial on a slow pitch that offered very few scoring opportunities.

What is the next match?

India A Women will face Nepal Women on February 17, while Pakistan A Women will take on United Arab Emirates Women on the same day at Terdthai Cricket Ground

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