Former England all-rounder Moeen Ali believes Pakistan need to be extra careful against a few key Indian players in their upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 clash on Sunday. He picked India captain Suryakumar Yadav, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the biggest threats.
Moeen Ali's warning to Pakistan
Speaking on the Mr Cricket UAE podcast, Moeen said Suryakumar is the batter Pakistan should fear the most because he can change the course of a match within a few overs. He added that from a bowling point of view, Bumrah’s pace and accuracy, along with Kuldeep’s ability to take wickets in any conditions, make them dangerous opponents.
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“If you look at India, Suryakumar Yadav is the batter Pakistan should be most worried about. He can change the game very quickly. And from a bowling point of view, it has to be Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, he’s a match-winner in any conditions,” Moeen said.
Moeen Ali on the Colombo pitch
Talking about the venue, Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium, Moeen mentioned that the pitch there usually helps spin bowlers.
"Generally, the Premadasa offers turn. It's the kind of surface where spinners can get help, but I feel a good wicket will be prepared for this match so that both teams can play their natural game and it becomes a proper contest," Moeen Ali said.
India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup head-to-head
India have clearly had the upper hand over Pakistan in T20 World Cup matches over the years. Out of the eight times the two teams have faced each other in the tournament, India have won seven.
Pakistan’s only win came in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. Apart from that, India have come out on top every time, including the famous 2007 final and the tense, low-scoring match in New York during the 2024 edition.