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- By Gurmeet Batra
- Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:53 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs PAK T20 World Cup: As one of the most-anticipated clash of the T20 World Cup take place at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, former Indian batter Dinesh Karthik said the clash could be India's toughest test against Pakistan in recent memory.
Karthik acknowledged India's difficulty in playing in slow and spin-friendly conditions on the pitch. Notably, Pakistan's bowling threat, particularly mystery spinner Usman Tariq, could pose a significant challenge to India's batting lineup.
Salman Agha-led team will have an edge going into the high-voltage clash as they prepare to take on traditional foes in familiar conditions and impressive momentum in Colombo.
With the surface expected to play a significant role in the popcorn clash, Karthik has cautioned that India's batting lineup will face a stern test on the slower surfaces of Colombo.
"Tomorrow will be one of India's biggest challenges against Pakistan in recent memory. Pakistan start as close as they've ever been in a game, going up against India in terms of their familiarity with the conditions. They have a better chance of pushing India than any other time in the near past. India's batting will be the one tested more in the Colombo conditions," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
"India's batting against spin on pitches which are slow and holds a bit hasn't been as good as they are on flatter pitches. There is a stark difference in numbers. That's an area India will be wary about," he added.
Despite all the registered flaws, India enters Sunday's clash with Pakistan with a commanding presence, bolstered by their dominant form in all departments.
India's track record at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium is impressive, with 11 wins from 15 T20Is, making them a formidable force at the venue.