India vs Pakistan pitch - (Source: X.com)
On Sunday, February 15, the mouth-watering clash between two heavyweights, India and Pakistan, will take place at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It is the most-awaited match of the tournament because of the rivalry and history between the two teams. Meanwhile, in the latest events, the ICC has revealed the pitch for the upcoming match.
Notably, Pakistan had already played their two matches in Sri Lanka, and India have also arrived in Colombo. The two teams are sweating hard in the nets, but the pitch was kept under wraps. However, the curtain has been raised, and the first visuals of the track has now gone viral on social media.
India-PAK to play on the same pitch as Australia-Zimbabwe
In a shocking development, the India vs Pakistan match will take place on a used surface, rather than a new track. Notably, it will be the same pitch where the Australia and Zimbabwe game took place on February 13. Notably, the surface is slow, sticky, and really helpful for the bowlers.
Talking about the recently concluded match, Australia suffered a shocking defeat against Zimbabwe, who beat the 2021 T20 World Cup winners by 23 runs.
Therefore, India and Pakistan, who are accustomed to play on flat tracks, will have to be very careful at the Premadasa Stadium, because an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket might not work here, and proper cricketing shots would be the way to go forward.
Are Pakistan really having an advantage against India?
Pakistan are eyeing their 2nd World Cup win over India in the shortest format of the game. However, there is a narrative that the Salman Agha-led side are in a position of advantage over India, because they have already played two matches in Colombo.
It is true that Pakistan don't have to travel and are now acclimatised to Colombo weather, but they will play their first match at the Premadasa Stadium against India. Notably, so far, Pakistan have played both of their matches at the SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo.
Therefore, they are not having any fair advantage and it will be equally difficult for both teams to tackle the difficult situation at the Premadasa Stadium.
Rain Threat looms over India vs Pakistan match
Amid the excitement for the game, rain threat looms over the India vs Pakistan match. Notably, there is a thunderstorm alert on February 15 and the game is likely to be washed off.
Further, at the time of writing this article, the stadium is covered with blue sheets as it is drizzling in Colombo. Notably, the training session of Pakistan was also cancelled because of the drizzles.
India are also likely to meet the same fate, so it is expected that the two teams lock horns against each other without much understanding of the surface. Although, India is expected to make two changes - Abhishek Sharma comes in for Sanju Samson and Kuldeep replacing a seamer.
