What Happens if India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Match is Washed Out Due to Rain in Colombo? Is There A Reserve Day?

The most anticipated fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Group A clash between India and Pakistan, is facing a significant weather threat. Scheduled for Sunday, 15 February, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the match is under the shadow of a tropical weather system that could disrupt or entirely wash out proceedings. With both teams currently undefeated and vying for the top spot in the group, a rain-affected result carries heavy implications for the Super 8 qualification race. India’s Likely Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026 Match Against Pakistan: Check Predicted 11 for IND vs PAK Cricket Match in Colombo.

The 5-Over Rule: Minimum Requirement for a Result

According to ICC playing conditions for the 2026 T20 World Cup group stage, a match is only considered complete if both teams have the opportunity to bat for at least five overs.

If rain interrupts play after the match has begun, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method will be used to recalculate targets, provided the five-over minimum has been met. If the second team does not complete five overs and play cannot be resumed, the match will be declared "No Result."

Points Distribution: No Reserve Day

Unlike the knockout stages (semi-finals and the final), there is no reserve day for group-stage matches in the 2026 tournament. If the match is washed out or abandoned without a result:

• Both India and Pakistan will receive one point each.

• Neither team will see a change in their Net Run Rate (NRR) from this specific fixture, as NRR is only calculated for completed matches.

Colombo Weather Forecast: 15 February

Meteorological reports for Sunday indicate a challenging window for cricket. Following a week of relatively dry weather, a low-pressure area over the Laccadive Sea is expected to bring moisture to Sri Lanka's west coast.

• Precipitation Chance: 65% – 85% during match hours.

• Thunderstorm Risk: High, particularly during the late afternoon and early evening.

• Temperature: High of 30°C, with significant humidity.

While Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium is renowned for its world-class drainage and a ground staff capable of covering the entire playing area in minutes, persistent heavy rain could still lead to a total washout. Will Abhishek Sharma Play in India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Match?

Tactical Shifts for a Shortened Game

If the match is reduced to a "sprint" (e.g., a 5-to-10 over game), captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha will have to drastically alter their strategies. In a shortened game, the value of power-hitters like Hardik Pandya and Fakhar Zaman increases, while the role of spinners like Axar Patel and Usman Tariq becomes critical in stifling the scoring rate during the mandatory Powerplay, which would be reduced to just two overs for a five-over match.

Tournament Context: Super 8 Qualification

Both India and Pakistan have already secured four points from their opening two matches. A shared point from a washout would take both to five points, nearly guaranteeing their progression to the Super 8s, provided they avoid major upsets in their final group games against the USA, Namibia, or the Netherlands.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 13, 2026 08:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).