T20 World Cup 2026: India vs Pakistan, Match 27: Weather and Pitch Report, R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo

The T20 World Cup 2026 is set to host its blockbuster fixture as India take on Pakistan in Match 27 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India enters the contest with a strong head-to-head record in T20 World Cups, having won seven of the eight previous meetings against Pakistan. Overall, across 16 T20I meetings, India has won 12, Pakistan three, with one tie.

Meanwhile, the Asia Cup successes last year give Suryakumar Yadav’s team a psychological advantage. India arrived in Colombo late on Friday and has had just one training session at the venue. Pakistan, operating under the hybrid model, has been playing in Colombo for weeks, though they have not yet played at Premadasa in this tournament. 

Colombo Weather Forecast

Colombo is under a significant rain threat. Sri Lanka’s Department of Meteorology has warned of a low-pressure system developing over the south-eastern Bay of Bengal around February 15, which could bring unseasonal rainfall. Forecasts suggest up to a 70 to 94 percent chance of rain during the match window on Sunday evening. Rain on the previous day already forced the covers onto the ground. Importantly, there is no reserve day for this group-stage fixture. In the event of a washout, both teams will share points.

That said, the Premadasa Stadium is known for its efficient drainage system. Even if showers interrupt play, the ground staff are capable of restarting proceedings quickly once the rain passes. A shortened contest remains a strong possibility if the weather intervenes.

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Pitch Report

The match will be played on the same pitch that hosted Australia vs Zimbabwe earlier in the tournament. Observations on Saturday indicated a thin layer of grass on the surface, hoping it may play slightly flatter than the traditionally slow and spin-friendly decks associated with this venue.

Historically, the Premadasa surface has helped spinners, with grip and turn coming into play as the match progresses. However, the presence of grass could mean better pace and bounce early on, providing value for batter before the pitch slows down. If conditions remain dry, expect assistance for spin in the middle overs. If rain intervenes, the surface could become tacky, further assisting slower bowlers.