Key Points
- Weather Alert: A 65% to 90% chance of rain is forecast for Colombo on February 15th, potentially delaying the toss or shortening the game.
- Group A Dominance: Both teams enter the match undefeated, with the winner set to claim the top spot in Group A.
- Injury Update: Star opener Abhishek Sharma has returned to practice after a stomach infection and is expected to be available.
- Recent Rivalry: India currently holds the upper hand, having defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the 2025 Asia Cup final.
The most anticipated fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026, the battle between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, is under a cloud of uncertainty. Scheduled for Sunday, February 15th, at the R. Premadasa Stadium, the match coincides with the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeastern Bay of Bengal. According to the Sri Lankan Meteorological Department, this system could bring heavy thunderstorms to Colombo, with some reports suggesting a rain probability as high as 90 percent during match hours.
The forecast indicates that while intermittent sunshine is possible, a significant thunderstorm is predicted around 6:00 PM local time, just as the teams are slated to take the field. Because this is a group-stage encounter, no reserve days have been allocated by the ICC. If the match is a washout, both teams will receive one point each, maintaining their current parity but leaving millions of fans disappointed.
Battle for Group A Supremacy
Beyond the historical rivalry, the outcome of this match is critical for tournament standings. Both nations have started their campaigns with two wins from two games. India enters the fray following a dominant 93-run victory over Namibia, highlighted by Ishan Kishan’s explosive 61. Pakistan remains close behind in second place, separated only by a slightly lower net run rate.
The conditions at R. Premadasa are traditionally conducive to spin, which could play into the hands of India’s Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel. Pakistan’s spin arsenal, led by Shadab Khan and Abrar Ahmed, is equally formidable and recently proved its mettle in a 3-0 series sweep of Australia.
Abhishek Sharma’s Recovery and Team News
In a significant boost for the Indian camp, young sensation Abhishek Sharma appears ready to reclaim his spot at the top of the order. Sharma, who was hospitalized briefly with a stomach infection and missed the Namibia game, has resumed practice in Colombo. Team management and teammates, including spinner Varun Chakravarthy, have expressed optimism about his fitness for the Sunday thriller.
If Sharma is unable to play, Sanju Samson is expected to continue opening alongside Ishan Kishan. This match serves as the first major meeting between the sides since the 2025 Asia Cup final in Dubai, where India chased down 147 to win by five wickets, a memory that still looms large for both squads.
