How many times more IND vs PAK can happen in T20 World Cup 2026?
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The IND vs PAK clash in T20 World Cup 2026 took place on Sunday, February 15, at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The ICC T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is now entering its key phase, with the Super 8 fast approaching. Once again, it was the IND vs PAK match which grabbed headlines, more so for the off-field drama, than on-the-field performances.
After all the talks on boycotting the match, Pakistan took the field only to go down in a one-sided thrashing. India were sensational, with Ishan Kishan leading the way for the Men in Blue, despite Abhishek Sharma’s lean patch. A solid bowling display helped them register their eighth T20 World Cup victory over their arch rivals.
India finished the group as table toppers, winning each of their remaining matches. Pakistan finished second with wins over Netherlands, USA and Namibia. The Men in Green will thank Faheem Ashraf’s late-blitz against the Dutch side, which eventually proved to be the reason why they secured their Super 8 qualification.
How many times more IND vs PAK can happen in T20 World Cup 2026?
The format followed at the T20 World Cup 2026 saw 20 teams being divided in four groups, with top two advancing to the Super 8, which will then comprise of two groups having four teams each.
This ensures no rematch in the Super 8 is possible between India and Pakistan, as pre-seeded groups place A1 (India) and A2 (Pakistan) in separate pools. However, if both enjoy a strong run in the Super 8, they could potentially meet again in the knockout stage, either semifinals or the final.
For a semi-final clash to occur between India and Pakistan, either of them must finish first in their respective groups, and the other team must finish second in their group. Should they both finish at the same positions of their respective groups, then these two teams can only cross paths in the final. If Pakistan reach the knockout stages, then those matches would be held in Colombo.
Having already faced each other in the group stage, with India coming out on top against Pakistan, the two sides can cross paths only once more in the tournament, and that too only if both progress deep into the knockout stages.
Will India and Pakistan face each other again in T20 World Cup 2026?
Not in the Super 8. Both are placed in different Super 8 groups and can only meet in the semi-finals or final.
What result is needed for an India–Pakistan semi-final in T20 World Cup 2026?
One team must finish first in its Super 8 group while the other finishes second in the opposite group. Same-position finishes would rule out a semi-final clash.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.