Colombo Weather, Fan Prayers Add Drama to India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup Showdown

As India and Pakistan limber up for their high-voltage T20 World Cup 2026 clash in Colombo, weather concerns, fan emotions and strong opinions from former cricketers have added to the build-up ahead of the blockbuster encounter.

Rain is expected to play a major role R Premadasa Stadium. Even if showers do not shorten the game, they could influence how the pitch behaves.

Spin to win for the Colombo clash between India vs Pakistan? And what if the game is washed out?

A wet morning could make spin bowling decisive for both teams. Colombo may witness brief spells of rain or thunderstorms between 12 PM and 6 PM, while weather conditions are expected to improve after 6 PM, with cloudy skies during match hours.

If the game is washed out, India and Pakistan will share points, as there is no reserve day for the group-stage match. India’s training session on Saturday was also disrupted by steady rain, forcing players indoors. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has warned of a possible low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

AccuWeather has forecast two brief showers around 5 pm, but the game is still expected to go ahead under overcast skies, with temperatures near 27°C and humidity in the low-to-mid 70s

More prayers on Mahashivratri as India-Pakistan clash?

On Mahashivratri, devotees at Shree Baba Baidyanath Jyotirlinga Mandir in Deoghar prayed for India’s victory over Pakistan.

Devotee Randheer Singh told ANI, “Today I prayed to god Mahadev and Maa Parvati that Pakistan has to be buried and reduced to dust. We need to win at all costs… They are not playing in the spirit of the game.”

Another devotee, Shubham Kumar Jha, told ANI, “Mahadev wants India to win… I prayed to God that Pakistan's premium bowler Shaheen Afridi should be dropped and India wins by a good margin.”

Another fan added, “I wish to Mahadev that India scores 200 runs and defeats Pakistan, takes 10 out of 10 wickets and puts Pakistan to shame.”

What’s the tug-of-war between the two nations over Abhishek Sharma?

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh defended Abhishek Sharma after Mohammad Amir called him a “slogger.” Harbhajan said, “Abhishek Sharma is a quality player… he is a proper batter who has all the shots.”

He added, “A slogger is someone who only sees the ball and slogs… He is not like that.”

Harbhajan further remarked, “People may say whatever they want… it is wrong to comment that Abhishek is a slogger.”

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma said India were far superior. “We are a very balanced team, and Pakistan stand nowhere near us… We have a 7-1 advantage,” he said.

He added, “If India play to their potential, it will be a cakewalk for them.”

Is Pakistan threatened by Hardik Pandya? Here’s what Umar Gul has to say…

Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul picked Hardik Pandya as India’s biggest threat. “One player who is really calm, composed, and can be threatening for Pakistan is Hardik Pandya,” he said.

Gul also said, “These matches carry truckloads of pressure. I think there are 50-50 chances for both sides, but Pakistan is likely to win based on the condition.”

Expressing concern over India’s middle order, he said, “I think India's middle order hasn't delivered as expected in the last two games.”

On team combinations, Gul remarked, “Abhishek Sharma is a top T20 player… Sanju Samson would have to warm the bench again.”

He also highlighted Kuldeep Yadav’s record against Pakistan, saying, “Considering conditions in Colombo, India would draft Kuldeep into the XI.”

On Pakistan’s batting order, Gul said, “Babar Azam is Pakistan's best player… Fakhar Zaman is better suited to bat at No. 4.”

He also backed wicketkeeper Usman Khan, saying, “The team management should give another opportunity to Usman Khan.”

Both India and Pakistan have won their first two matches of the tournament. India defeated the USA and Namibia, while Pakistan beat the Netherlands and the USA.

The Suryakumar Yadav-led India top Group A with four points and an NRR of +3.050, while Pakistan are second with four points and an NRR of +0.932.

(With inputs from ANI)