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Manoj Tiwary: India-Pakistan T20 WC clash won't be easy for Suryakumar & co.

Former Indian cricketer and West Bengal Sports Minister Manoj Tiwary has expressed confidence in India's strong all-round squad ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Pakistan, labeling them favorites. However, he cautioned that despite India's historical dominance, winning the upcoming high-voltage match will not be straightforward. The encounter is scheduled at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium, with both teams entering undefeated in the tournament so far. India leads Group A on net run rate, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

Key Points: Tiwary on India-Pakistan T20 WC: High-voltage but not easy

  • Tiwary calls India-Pakistan a high-intensity contest
  • Backs India's all-round squad as favourites
  • Notes India's dominant T20 WC record vs Pakistan
  • Match set for Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium
3 min read

Manoj Tiwary backs India against Pakistan in T20 WC clash but says "won't be that easy" for Suryakumar & co.

Ex-cricketer Manoj Tiwary backs India vs Pakistan but warns it won't be straightforward despite India's dominant T20 World Cup record.

"While the India vs Pakistan rivalry has been very one-sided... this match won't be that easy for India. - Manoj Tiwary"

Kolkata, February 14

Former Indian cricketer and West Bengal Sports Minister Manoj Tiwary said the India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match will be a high-intensity and exciting contest, but also noted that it will not be very easy for Suryakumar and co. to secure a win, despite India's domination against Pakistan in T20 WC history.

Speaking to ANI, Manoj Tiwary said the India vs Pakistan clash will be a high-intensity, exciting contest and expressed confidence in Team India's strong all-round squad, calling them favourites for this edition. However, he also added that although India has dominated Pakistan in recent times, the upcoming match won't be easy.

"It is going to be a high-intensity match. Whenever India plays against Pakistan, sports lovers in both countries get excited. It is high-voltage and exciting. So, I expect the same. I hope Team India performs well against Pakistan and win. We have a very good team, there's no doubt about it. Team India has all departments covered, be it batting, bowling, fielding or even fitness. India are favourites in this edition too."

Notably, India have won seven of the eight T20 World Cup matches they have played against Pakistan.

"While the India vs Pakistan rivalry has been very one-sided in recent times, in favour of India, this match won't be that easy for India. Let's hope the better team wins," Manoj Tiwary said.

The India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash is set to take place at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.

Both India and Pakistan have played two matches each in the tournament so far. Both have registered victories in those games. While India will enter the contest on the back of wins against the United States of America and Namibia, Pakistan has defeated the Netherlands and USA.

While the Suryakumar Yadav-led India are placed on top of Group A standings with four points and the Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050, Pakistan are placed second with four points, too, and an NRR of +0.932.

Ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash, India's wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan said, "Pakistan clash, obviously, it would be a special one for everyone. So we're not just thinking so much about the future game. But yeah, once we get there, we look at the wicket, and we have an idea of what sort of match is going to happen and what will be a good total, and we'll just play accordingly."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The pressure of an India-Pakistan match is unlike anything else. Our boys have the talent, but they need to handle the nerves. Hope SKY leads from the front!
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Arjun K
Our record speaks for itself - 7 wins out of 8! We have a balanced team. But yes, in cricket, anything can happen. We should support the team regardless. #BleedBlue
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Priyanka N
Respect to Tiwary for being realistic and not just giving a jingoistic interview. A tough match makes the victory sweeter. Our bowling attack needs to fire. Bumrah, the king! 👑
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Michael C
The NRR difference is huge. That shows India's dominance in the group so far. Pakistan will be under immense pressure to perform. Advantage India, but as they say, cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties.
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Kavya N
I appreciate his balanced view. Sometimes our media and fans create so much hype that it becomes an unnecessary burden on the players. Let them play their natural game. All the best, Team India!

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