The India vs Pakistan group-stage clash in Colombo is on Sunday. The most-anticipated game of the T20 World Cup is set to kick off at 7 p.m. IST at the R. Premadasa Stadium. No wonder the atmosphere will be charged.
Inevitable factors shaping the contest include selection, fitness and the weather. Pakistan will train in the afternoon while India trains in the evening; both hold media sessions before practice. Those timings mean India’s session could be disrupted by rain.
Local forecasts flag a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, with scattered thunderstorms and a 50–70% chance of showers in Colombo on Sunday, per ESPN.
“Pakistan is to practice 2-5pm and India 6-9 pm at the Premadasa Saturday – rain has been forecast afternoon onwards so India’s only practice in Colombo could actually be rained off,” analyst Vikrant Gupta reported.
Pakistan is to practice 2-5pm and India 6-9 pm at the Premadasa Saturday – rain has been forecast afternoon onwards so India’s only practice in Colombo could actually be rained off.
And more rain is forecast the game day on Sunday #INDvsPAK #ICCT20WORLDCUP— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 13, 2026
That raises the risk of a delayed toss or a reduced-overs game and possible DLS adjustments.
R. Premadasa Stadium staff are experienced with tropical downpours and the venue has full covers and good drainage. Typically the field becomes playable 45–60 minutes after heavy rain, but late thundershowers before the 7pm start could complicate plans and force a washout, in which case both sides share the points.
India’s opener Abhishek Sharma remains a fitness concern. He featured while unwell, fell on the first ball, and later missed the Namibia game after a brief hospital stay for viral fever and a stomach infection. Management is cautious after his weight loss. Former Australian opener Aaron Finch urged care, saying the team should prioritise having “your best players fit and healthy at the business end,” per Hindustan Times.
@abhisheksharma_4 / Instagram
Both teams have won their opening two matches, leaving them on four points each. India lead the group on net run rate (3.050) to Pakistan’s (0.932). India’s arrival in Colombo was festive local dancers greeted the squad. Varun Chakravarthy must be in the squad on Sunday. Selection and weather will likely decide whether this high-pressure encounter is a full contest or a shortened affair.
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