Kamal Ghorui
Former India wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia has tipped Team India as favourites for Sunday’s blockbuster T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against Pakistan at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The former cricketer also showered praise on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, describing him as one of the finest players in the T20 format and applauding his recent performances with both bat and ball.Mongia underlined Pandya’s value across departments, calling him his “all-time favourite” and one of the best T20 all-rounders in the game. He pointed out that India have consistently delivered strong performances in ICC tournaments and said Pandya’s current form makes him a key figure heading into the high-voltage clash. At the same time, he cautioned that conditions in Sri Lanka could play a decisive role, with slow surfaces expected to aid spinners.
“The India has been performing in the ICC tournaments. Hardik Pandya is my all-time favourite. He is one of the best all-rounders in the T20 format. The way he’s batting and the way he’s performing with the ball, he is doing brilliantly. It will be fun to watch if he performs against Pakistan. They are playing in Sri Lanka; the wicket is slow, and spinners will dominate. While India start as favourites, they will have to be careful,” Mongia told ANI.Both sides have won their two matches so far. India defeated the United States of America and Namibia, while Pakistan overcame the Netherlands and the USA.Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India sit atop Group A with four points and a Net Run Rate of +3.050. Pakistan are second with four points and an NRR of +0.932.Weather could also influence proceedings. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has forecast possible showers or thundershowers in Colombo after 2:00 PM local time. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, with the toss at 6:30 PM. Temperatures are expected to range between 34°C and 24°C, with humidity levels fluctuating from 85% to 50%. The advisory for February 15 also mentions misty conditions in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces, along with Galle and Matara districts, during the early hours.
