The cricket world holds its breath ahead of Sunday’s T20 World Cup 2026 marquee match between India and Pakistan at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Excitement is palpable among fans, yet dark clouds of uncertainty—literally—threaten to disrupt proceedings.
Meteorologists predict a 76% probability of showers in Colombo during the day, easing to just 13% by evening amid full cloud cover. This forecast has added an extra layer of drama to an already electrified atmosphere.
India holds a commanding 7-1 edge over Pakistan in T20 World Cup history, with their rivals’ sole triumph in 2021. The hosts have thrived here too, securing 11 victories in 15 T20 outings at Premadasa since 2009.
Leading Group A, India has been ruthless, dismissing USA for a 29-run win and demolishing Namibia by 93 runs. Their form signals serious intent.
Pakistan mirrors the momentum in second place, clinching a thrilling 3-wicket victory against Netherlands and a 32-run triumph over USA. Captain Salman Ali Agha’s men are primed for redemption.
Upcoming fixtures see India clashing with Netherlands and Pakistan tackling Namibia on February 18. Victory here could cement semifinal hopes.
Full India XI: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
Pakistan’s lineup: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmad, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khwaja Nafi, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Sam Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.
In the end, whether rain or shine, this battle promises to be one for the ages, etching another chapter in one of sport’s greatest rivalries.