It is India vs Pakistan once again in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, with the Group A showdown slated for February 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST in Colombo's
R. Premadasa Stadium.
This edition marks the tenth T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, where India defend their title amid heightened tensions following Pakistan's initial boycott reversal. The rivalry has produced iconic performances, and with a turning track expected, individual brilliance could decide the outcome.
Will Rain play Spoilsport?
Colombo faces a heavy rain risk today. Cloudy skies bring showers starting soon from 8 AM to 6 PM, peaking mid-morning.
The latest weather report suggests Colombo will have a wet day. As per Accuweather, there is a 96 per cent chance of rain today in the Sri Lankan capital, which can disrupt the proceedings of the match. Interestingly, the rain is likely to pour in the daytime, and the probability goes down significantly in the evening. Hence, even if there is rain, we may have a full match.
What are the ICC Rules for Rain in T20 World Cup?
Per ICC playing conditions for T20 World Cup 2026, group stage matches, including this one, have no reserve day-reserved only for semifinals and the final. If rain delays the toss or start, umpires can extend play by up to 60 minutes without reducing overs initially. For a valid match, each team must bat at least 5 overs (or 10 in Super 8s, but this is group stage).
If play is interrupted, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method adjusts targets based on resources lost. For example, if reduced to 15 overs, the chasing team gets a revised par score. If no result is possible (e.g., less than 5 overs per side or complete washout), the match is abandoned.
What happens if Match is Abandoned? Is there a Reserve Day?
There is no Reserve Day for the group stage matches. Hence if rain washes out the match, two teams will get one point each in this case, and both India and Pakistan continue to be level on points. A No Result would also ensure the progression of both teams into the Super 8s of the competition.
