India and Pakistan are all set for a high-stakes clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo on Sunday, but rain could pose a threat to the match.
According to Sri Lanka's Department of Meteorology, Colombo is expected to experience showers or thundershowers after 2 pm (local time). The match is scheduled to begin at 7 pm, with the toss set for 6.30 pm.
A weather advisory issued for February 15 stated, "Misty conditions can be expected in parts of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces, as well as the Galle and Matara districts during the early morning hours."
If the match is washed out, both India and Pakistan will be awarded one point each, as there is no reserve day for group-stage matches between the two teams. For a result to be declared, each team must play a minimum of five overs.
Speaking ahead of the match, India captain Suryakumar Yadav assured that his team was not focusing on the rain threat. "Weather is something beyond our control," he said, adding that the players were fully focused on the showdown with their bitter rivals.
Pakistan had initially boycotted the Group A fixture in Colombo after Bangladesh was removed from the tournament for refusing to play in India over security concerns. However, following negotiations between the ICC and the Pakistan Cricket Board, Pakistan reversed its decision and agreed to play.
Both teams have played two matches each in the tournament so far. India defeated the USA and Namibia, while Pakistan triumphed over the Netherlands and the USA.
India currently tops Group A with four points and a Net Run Rate (NRR) of +3.050, while Pakistan is in second place, also with four points, but with an NRR of +0.932.
