With rain threatening to disrupt Sunday's high-voltage India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup encounter in Colombo, fans are asking a crucial question: is there a reserve day if the match gets washed out?

 

The answer is no. The ICC does not schedule reserve days for group-stage matches in the T20 World Cup according to ESPNCricinfo.

 

If rain forces a complete washout on Sunday evening, both teams will share the points equally, receiving one point each. 

 

India and Pakistan currently sit level on four points after playing two games each. However, India lead the group due to a superior net run rate of 3.050 compared to Pakistan's 0.932. A washout would maintain that advantage while giving both teams a point, but it would deny either side the opportunity to pull ahead with a win.

 

The lack of a reserve day puts enormous pressure on getting the match completed on Sunday itself, even if rain causes delays or forces a shortened game.

 

The Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology has warned of a low-pressure system developing in the Bay of Bengal, indicating a high risk of rain that could disrupt the marquee contest. Weather forecasts for the Khettarama area of Colombo, where the R Premadasa Stadium sits, show a 50 to 70 percent chance of rain on Sunday afternoon.

 

With the match scheduled to begin at 7pm local time, some weather models suggest heavy thundershowers could arrive in the hours before the toss. While some forecasts indicate a slight clearing trend after 8pm, isolated showers remain possible through the night.

 

The only matches in ICC tournaments that typically have reserve days are knockout fixtures such as semi-finals and finals. Group-stage games follow a straightforward points-sharing system in case of abandonment.

 

The weather in Colombo has otherwise been largely dry, making any significant rainfall unusual for this time of year. None of the T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka have been affected by bad weather so far.

 

The Premadasa Stadium does have a sophisticated drainage system and enough covers to protect the entire playing area, which gives ground staff a fighting chance to get the match on even if rain does arrive. Under normal conditions, the ground typically becomes ready for play within 45 to 60 minutes after heavy rain stops.

 

Both teams will be hoping the weather holds, knowing that unlike knockout matches, there is no second chance if Sunday's game falls victim to the elements.