‘Will India play with eyes closed?’ – Journalist asks as Rashid Latif says ‘Pakistan will beat India in semi-final’

Published - 20 Feb 2026, 15:46 IST | Updated - 20 Feb 2026, 16:00 IST

As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 heads into its Super 8 stage, the India-Pakistan rivalry has once again caught attention. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif sparked headlines by claiming that the Men in Green would beat India in a potential semi-final. His comments, however, were met with sharp resistance from journalist Nauman Niaz.

The exchange came in the aftermath of India’s emphatic 61-run win over Pakistan in the group stage in Colombo. On a spin-friendly surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India outplayed their arch-rivals to extend their T20 World Cup dominance to 8-1. A blazing 77 from Ishan Kishan and bowling from Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah sealed a comprehensive victory. Despite that setback, Latif appeared optimistic about Pakistan’s prospects. He even predicted there could be two matches between the rivals in this tournament and insisted Pakistan would win the next one.

"So, I see that Pakistan's chances are looking good for the semi-finals. And stay ready for the semi-finals. One more player is coming. There will be two matches between India and Pakistan," Latif said.

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Meanwhile, Niaz interrupted Latif’s confidence; he remarked that such comments sounded unrealistic, especially after India’s dominant group-stage performance.

"I can't take another humiliating defeat. That's enough. No, they will close their eyes. Mr. Rashid, you are talking nonsense at this time of night," Niaz replied

Notably, with India placed in Group 1 of the Super 8 alongside South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe, and Pakistan in Group 2 with England, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, the two teams cannot meet in the Super 8 phase. However, a semi-final clash is possible under the cross-over format, if India finish first in their group and Pakistan second in theirs, or vice versa. There is also the possibility of a “dream final” on March 8, should both teams navigate the knockouts successfully.

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