Colombo: Rain is likely to play spoilsport during the much-anticipated India-Pakistan group stage match of the T20 World Cup scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, with weather forecasts predicting precipitation across large parts of the city.
According to the 24-hour forecast, there is up to a 60 per cent chance of rain in Colombo on match day. Between 9 am and 3 pm, rain probability ranges from 60 to 50 per cent. During the scheduled match hours — from 7 pm to midnight — the likelihood of rain stands between 10 and 20 per cent, raising concerns over possible interruptions in one of cricket’s most high-profile contests.
The India-Pakistan rivalry remains one of the biggest attractions in world cricket, drawing massive global viewership. Any washout or curtailed fixture would be a major disappointment for fans and broadcasters alike.
Team India is scheduled to arrive in Colombo at 9:30 pm on Thursday. The side has won both its opening matches in the tournament, defeating the United States and Namibia to strengthen its position in the group. Pakistan, which is playing all its group-stage matches in Colombo, has also registered two victories, beating the United States and the Netherlands.
Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled even before the match. On February 14, a 35 per cent chance of rain is forecast between 9 am and 3 pm, decreasing to 25 per cent until 6 pm and 10 per cent through midnight.