India National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Standings

When India and Pakistan meet on a cricket field, the world stops. It’s not just a match; it is a high-octane blend of history, geopolitics, and raw emotion. As of February 16, 2026, the rivalry has reached a fascinating juncture following their recent clash in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

While historical records once favored Pakistan, the modern era has seen the “Men in Blue” establish a psychological and statistical dominance that has redefined the “greatest rivalry in sports.”

1. The Current Standing: February 2026 Update

The most recent chapter of this rivalry was written just yesterday, on February 15, 2026, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

In a pivotal T20 World Cup group stage match, India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs. This victory was a statement of intent, propelling India into the Super 8 stage and leaving Pakistan’s tournament hopes hanging by a thread.

Match Summary (Feb 15, 2026)

This win extends India’s remarkable record against Pakistan in ICC T20 World Cups to 8 wins and only 1 loss.

2. Head-to-Head Record: The Statistical Divide

To understand the current standing, one must look at the “tale of the tape” across all formats. While Pakistan dominated the 1980s and 90s (largely due to bilateral series success), India has turned the tide in the 21st century, particularly in global tournaments.

Overall Head-to-Head (As of Feb 2026)

• Test Matches: Played 59 | Pakistan 12 | India 9 | Drawn 38

• ODIs: Played 136 | Pakistan 73 | India 58 | No Result 5

• T20Is: Played 17 | India 14 | Pakistan 3 | Tied 0

Note: India’s dominance in the shortest format is overwhelming, winning over 80% of their T20 encounters against Pakistan.

The World Cup Factor

The “World Cup Jinx” remains Pakistan’s greatest hurdle.

• ODI World Cups: India leads 8–0.

• T20 World Cups: India leads 8–1.

3. ICC Rankings & Team Form

The current ICC rankings reflect the gap in consistency between the two sides. India enters 2026 as a powerhouse across formats, while Pakistan is navigating a transitional phase under new leadership.

Current ICC Rankings (Approx. Feb 2026)

• T20Is: India (1st) | Pakistan (6th)

• ODIs: India (1st) | Pakistan (4th)

• Tests: India (2nd) | Pakistan (7th)

India’s ascent to the top of the white-ball rankings is credited to their “aggressive blueprint” adopted after 2024, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav. Pakistan, conversely, has struggled with middle-order stability and frequent changes in the captaincy, currently led by Salman Ali Agha.

4. Key Players: The Modern Gladiators

The rivalry is now defined by specific player matchups that dictate the flow of the game.

India’s Powerhouses

1. Ishan Kishan: The explosive opener has become Pakistan’s nemesis. His 77-run blitz in the 2026 World Cup match dismantled the famed Pakistani pace attack early.

2. Suryakumar Yadav (C): As the world’s top-ranked T20 batter, his 360-degree play forces Pakistan to set unconventional fields.

3. Jasprit Bumrah: Still the gold standard of fast bowling. His ability to bowl “deadly” yorkers in the death overs remains a puzzle Pakistan hasn’t solved.

4. Hardik Pandya: The ultimate big-match player. He consistently delivers with both bat and ball whenever the green shirts are across the pitch.

Pakistan’s Hopes

1. Babar Azam: Despite stepping down from captaincy, he remains the anchor. However, his recent struggles against India’s spinners (Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel) have been a point of concern.

2. Shaheen Shah Afridi: The left-arm speedster is the only one who consistently rattles the Indian top order, though India has recently learned to negotiate his first-over swing.

3. Saim Ayub: A rising star who provides Pakistan with the modern aggression they previously lacked.

4. Usman Tariq: The “mystery spinner” who has recently emerged as a tactical weapon against India’s right-handers.

5. Why the Gap is Widening

Cricket analysts point to three main reasons why India currently holds the upper hand:

• The IPL Ecosystem: The Indian Premier League has created a conveyor belt of talent (like Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma) who are unfazed by high-pressure environments.

• Bowling Versatility: India’s current attack is multi-dimensional. They have elite pace (Bumrah), left-arm swing (Arshdeep), and world-class “mystery” spin (Varun Chakravarthy/Kuldeep Yadav).

• Psychological Edge: Repeated wins in ICC events have created a “mental block” for Pakistan. In the 2026 clash, Pakistan’s collapse from a stable position once again highlighted the pressure they feel during the chase.

6. The Road Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

The 2026 T20 World Cup is far from over. While India has qualified for the Super 8s, Pakistan must defeat Namibia in their final group game to stay alive.

Potential Rematch: Due to the tournament’s seeding, India and Pakistan are placed in separate Super 8 groups. However, if both teams progress, we could see a historic Semi-final or Final in early March 2026. Given the logistical arrangements, all of Pakistan’s knockout matches are scheduled for Colombo, making it the epicenter of the rivalry this year.

7. Last 10 Encounters: A Record of Dominance

Since the 2021 T20 World Cup, India has turned this rivalry into a display of tactical superiority. Here is the chronological breakdown of the last 10 meetings across all formats (as of February 2026).

The Verdict: In the last 10 meetings, India has won 9 matches, with one “No Result” due to rain. Pakistan’s last victory against India in any format dates back to the 2022 Asia Cup.

8. Squad Breakdown: 2026 World Cup Standings

The current squads represent a shift in philosophy for both nations. India has moved toward a “fearless” T20 youth policy, while Pakistan is rebuilding around a spin-heavy strategy.

Team India: The “New Gen” Powerhouse

Following the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is after the 2024 title win, India has built a team focused on high strike rates.

• Captain: Suryakumar Yadav

• Vice-Captain: Axar Patel

• The X-Factor: Ishan Kishan has returned to the side with a vengeance, becoming the leading run-scorer in the current tournament.

• The Bowling Core: Jasprit Bumrah (Spearhead), Arshdeep Singh (Swing), and the resurgence of Varun Chakravarthy (Mystery Spin).

• Emerging Stars: Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma are now the permanent