IND vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026: The world no.1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma gave India's second group stage match against Namibia of the ongoing mega event a miss owing to a stomach infection. The youngster has still gone to Colombo with the whole Indian team for the high-octane clash against Pakistan.
India will lock horns with Pakistan for their third group stage match of the ongoing mega event on Sunday.
As per PTI, his participation in the high-octane clash against Pakistan will depend on how he recovers from the stomach infection.
According to the report, the Indian team will attend a training session in Colombo on Saturday, and Abhishek's fitness will be analysed, and a final decision will be made on his participation in the match against Pakistan.
Sanju Samson replaced Abhishek as an opener against Namibia, where he scored 22 runs off 8 balls. He might open against Pakistan as well if Abhishek doesn't play.
There is also a possibility of Washington Sundar’s inclusion in India’s playing XI as an opener if Abhishek misses out. Sundar’s addition will add depth to India’s spin bowling.
Rain threat to the India-Pakistan match
India will face Pakistan in their third Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday in Colombo. But according to Colombo’s weather forecast for Sunday, there are high chances of rain playing spoilsport during the match at R. Premadasa Stadium.
“A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeastern Bay of Bengal around 15th February," read a report from the Department of Meteorology, Sri Lanka, on Friday.
As per AccuWeather, there is a 93 percent chance of precipitation on Sunday in Colombo.
If, due to rain in Colombo on Sunday, the India-Pakistan match gets washed out, then both teams will have to settle for one point each, as there is no reserve match for group stage matches.