Coming Sunday, the cricket fraternity will witness the clash of two arch-rivals whose rivalry goes beyond the cricket field
This Sunday, i.e., the 15th
of February, the world of cricket will witness the biggest clash of the year between rivals India and PAK, whose rivalry goes beyond the boundary of cricket. The two teams will meet at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka’s R. Premadasa Stadium, located in Colombo. Ahead of the clash, let us look at the two sides’ record at the Lankan venue.
Mathew Hayden via commentary 🎙️:
"Pakistan gives huge statements without thinking,their PM says we will boycott match vs India, but next day PCB says we'll play but for more money.What kind of clownery is this? (Hayden didn't hold back, look at Ramiz Raza reaction 💀) pic.twitter.com/xnCyITGHu8— Dive (@crickohlic) February 9, 2026
India at R. Premadasa Stadium
Despite not being an outsider, the Indian side has played 15 T20 international matches at the R. Premadasa Stadium, which is more than India has played in some of its stadiums back at home. Out of the 15 matches that India has played at this venue, the Men in Blue have emerged as the victorious side on 11 occasions. India’s first T20I match at this stadium was against Sri Lanka in 2009, which the Men in Blue won, but unfortunately, the team’s last match turned out to be a seven-wicket defeat.
India’s last match
India’s last match at this venue was part of India’s tour of Sri Lanka, and India had played its third T20I game at the stadium. Batting first, the Indian outfit was baffled by the Lankan bowlers, as seven Indian batters were sent home with less than double-digit runs, including three ducks. Kuldeep Yadav’s 23 was the only credible knock that helped India put 81 runs on the board.
In response, Sri Lanka chased the target within 14.2 overs and won the game by seven wickets.
PAK at R. Premadasa Stadium
Unlike the Men in Blue, PAK has less experience of playing at this venue. To date, PAK has played only seven games in this stadium, out of which four have been against Sri Lanka, whereas one was played against the likes of Australia, South Africa, and India. In the seven games PAK has played thus far, they have secured five victories and suffered two defeats.
PAK’s last match
Similar to India, PAK’s first T20I match in this stadium was in 2009, but unlike India, PAK has not been to Colombo for a T20I in more than a decade. The team’s last T20I match was in 2015 against Sri Lanka, which the Green Team won by one wicket.
During PAK’s tour of Sri Lanka in August 2015, the third match of the T20I series was played in this venue, with the Lankans posting a target of 172 runs. Despite losing nine wickets, PAK had a successful run chase.
