Pakistan bowlers Shadab Khan (left), Shaheen Shah Afridi (center) and Usman Tariq interact during a training session at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday. (File photo: PCB)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India will renew their storied rivalry on Sunday (today) in a high-stakes Group ‘A’ encounter of the T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The match is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM (PST) and has already generated massive anticipation, with the 35,000-capacity stadium sold out. Millions more are expected to tune in worldwide.
Qualification on the line
Both teams have made a strong start to their campaign, securing two wins each and collecting four points. A victory on Sunday will guarantee a place in the Super Eight stage. Even in the event of a washout, both sides would move to five points and confirm qualification.
India, the defending champions, have defeated Namibia and the United States in their opening fixtures. Pakistan, led bySalman Ali Agha, also registered back-to-back wins and will be aiming to maintain momentum in the tournament’s most anticipated clash.
Key players to watch
For Pakistan, spinner Usman Tariq has emerged as a potential game-changer after his impressive display against the USA. The pace battery, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, will also be central to Pakistan’s plans against India’s in-form batting line-up.
India will rely on skipper Suryakumar Yadav and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who recently became the first Indian wicketkeeper to score a half-century in a T20 World Cup match. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy remain key threats with the ball.
Head-to-head record
Since the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, India have largely dominated their encounters with Pakistan on cricket’s biggest T20 stage. Out of eight meetings between the two sides in the tournament’s history, India have emerged victorious seven times, while Pakistan have managed just one win, underlining India’s consistent upper hand in this high-profile rivalry.
Weather watch
Rain could play a role in Sunday’s contest. Forecasts indicate a 50 to 70% chance of showers in Colombo, particularly in the evening. However, the Premadasa Stadium is equipped with an advanced drainage system and extensive ground covers, allowing play to resume within 45 to 60 minutes after rainfall stops. An additional 60 minutes of extra time is also available if required.
Where to watch live?
The match will be broadcast live on PTV Sports and Geo Super in Pakistan, while digital streaming will be available on platforms including Myco, Tapmad and Tamasha.
With regional pride, qualification, and momentum at stake, another gripping chapter in cricket’s greatest rivalry is set to unfold under Colombo’s lights.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, and Usman Tariq.
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