Salman Ali Agha shows confidence in Babar Azam: The India and Pakistan 2026 T20 World Cup match is going to be yet another blockbuster. The match is scheduled for tomorrow at the R Premedasa Stadium, Colombo. After weeks of drama, of Pakistan boycotting the match, they made a U-Turn to their boycott decision. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 PM IST.
Ahead of the game, Salman Ali Agha has shared his views on Babar Azam’s current form and the way he has been batting. There were rumours that the management was not happy with Babar’s slow strike rate and that he might also be dropped, as T20 nowadays needs more firepower and aggression. Agha has praised Babar Azam ahead of the game.
Babar Azam’s experience will help against India?
Salman Ali Agha said, “Babar scored fifty in three recent innings and 40 the other day. He is batting well, and it’s not a concern for us. Our top four is settled.” In the tournament so far, Babar has scored 15 and 46. But his strike rate has been the main issue as he has been slower on days where acceleration has been required.
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“Babar is batting well, no concerns,” Salman Ali Agha praised Babar Azam’s recent form and confirmed that Pakistan’s top-four batting order is stable
#BabarAzam #T20WorldCup #T20WCTOK #TOKxTapmad #Tapmad #CatchEveryMatch pic.twitter.com/X9qVkgN52W— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) February 14, 2026
However, in a ground like Premedasa, where the ball grips and the boundaries are big, Pakistan will need someone to stand at one end, as Babar Azam has the experience, which will be very crucial for the Men in Green. Salman Ali Agha would want Babar to use all his experience and play a big innings against their fiercest rivals on Sunday.
Babar’s record against India has not been good in T20Is. He has scored just one fifty across the 5 T20 meetings between the two nations in a multi-faceted event. Pakistan, who have won just one game against India in a T20 World Cup, was back in 2021 under Babar Azam’s captaincy, so his leadership quality will also come into play.
Salman Ali Agha wants Abhishek Sharma to play
Salman Ali Agha also shared his insights on being asked about Abhishek Sharma’s health and on the handshake rift between the two nations. The Pakistan captain said, “I hope Abhishek Sharma plays tomorrow. I hope he’s recovering well. We want to play against the best.”
“We hope the sportsman spirit is there tomorrow,” Salman Ali Agha said. Agha, however, did not give clarity on whether the Pakistan team is ready to resume the handshakes with the Indian players. “We will find out tomorrow.”
Pakistan have an advantage over India on Sunday?
Pakistan is winless in their last five meetings against India. They would want to make a comeback and earn their second victory against Suryakumar Yadav’s men, on the weekend. India and Pakistan have almost secured their place in the Super 8s after winning two out of the two games. This match will decide who finishes at the top of the table.
However, we could see a start-stop in between the blockbuster clash, as rain has been predicted ahead of the toss and in the midst of the match as well. Everyone will hope that there is a full 20-over game and get to witness a breathtaking encounter between the two sides.
Also Read: Babar Azam T20I stats vs India: Can he silence critics and rewrite his IND vs PAK narrative?
