T20 World Cup 2026: 'Pakistan fail to handle the pressure of playing against India' - World Cup-winning captain's massive prediction for marquee clash

2015 ODI World Cup-winning Australian captain Michael Clarke opined that Pakistan, for quite some time, have not been able to handle the pressure that comes with a clash against India. The cricketer-turned-expert backed the Men in Blue to emerge victorious when they lock horns with Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15.

Pakistan had initially decided to boycott the clash against India. However, after diplomatic and financial pressure from the ICC and cricketing stakeholders, the Men in Green took a U-turn. Clarke believes that this back and forth might have been detrimental to the players.

"I've said it all along, I'm going to go India to win. I feel like Pakistan haven't been able to handle the pressure that comes with playing against India over a long period of time now. I think Pakistan at the moment have got some issues off the field and have done for a little while. Even the conversation around whether they would play the game or not, does not help anyone in the team," he said on the 'Beyond23 Cricket Podcast'.

Clarke believes that Suryakumar Yadav and Co. will dominate Pakistan despite both teams being unbeaten so far in the tournament. For Pakistan to win, the former Aussie batter feels that they will have to be at their best, and India will have to miss their opportunities.

"But I think India are going to dominate, they are at their best. Pakistan are not at their best and they need to be. They need to play their absolute best game and India need to miss some opportunities for them to win. So India to beat Pakistan," Clarke said.

I don't think you are going to see as many high scores: Clarke

Clarke mentioned that playing in Sri Lanka will be different to playing in India. So far, the pitches in the Island Nation have favoured spin bowlers.

"Playing in Sri Lanka is very different to playing in India. The pitches turn a bit more and definitely a lot slower. So I don't think you are going to see as many high scores. I reckon 190 is going to be about par," he said.

While Clarke acknowledged that the upcoming clash is a big one, he said that the controversy surrounding it in the lead-up has only amplified the buzz.

"India versus Pakistan, there has been a lot of talk from the past couple of weeks. Pakistan got a win as well. India look to be in absolute cracking form. So it is always a big game. The most recent publicity will probably only build that game up even more. From a World Cup perspective, all the talk is about that game now."