Cricket’s biggest rivalry returns to centre stage on Sunday as Pakistan and India cricket teams lock horns in the T20 World Cup in Colombo, with both sides carrying perfect records into the Group A encounter.

The match will be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium, starting at 6:30 p.m., Pakistan time.

Around 35,000 spectators are expected at the venue, while millions more will watch the contest live across the globe.

With the fixture confirmed, Colombo has seen a surge in visiting fans. Airline fares and hotel prices have spiked sharply, with booking platforms reporting that rooms usually priced between $100 and $150 per night have climbed to as high as $660.

Defending champions India hold a statistical edge over Pakistan in T20 World Cups. Still, former players and analysts agree that Pakistan-India matches often defy form, with composure under pressure proving decisive.

Former Indian captain Rohit Sharma said he never believed in the concept of favourites in T20 cricket, describing the format as one where any team can beat another on a given day.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said matches against Pakistan always carried special significance.

Asked about Pakistani spinner Usman Tariq and his unusual action, Yadav said teams often face “out-of-syllabus” challenges but prepare to solve them rather than surrender.

He added that opener Abhishek Sharma was feeling much better and could feature in the match.

On the question of the post-match handshake — following controversy during last year’s Asia Cup in Dubai — Yadav avoided a direct answer, saying clarity would come after the game and urging patience.

Pakistan, meanwhile, entered the contest in a confident mood. Captain Salman Ali Agha said the team had good momentum and that arriving early in Colombo would help with conditions. However, he cautioned that winning would require strong performances on the day, predicting a key role for spinners.

Agha described Usman Tariq as Pakistan’s “trump card” against India’s powerful batting line-up, dismissing concerns over his sling-arm action as baseless and already cleared twice.

Reflecting on India’s superior tournament record, he said history could not be changed, but lessons could be learned.

He also expressed hope that the match would be played in the true spirit of the game, noting that handshakes had long been part of cricketing tradition.

The fixture has drawn added attention with ICC Chairman Jay Shah and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi both expected to be present at the ground.

Sources said Naqvi would meet the Pakistan squad before the match to boost morale.

The game takes place after Pakistan briefly announced a boycott but later withdrew the decision following talks with the International Cricket Council and appeals from friendly nations.

Weather remains a concern, with forecasts predicting possible rain that could interrupt play.

Pakistan’s management is also considering up to two changes to the playing XI.

To strengthen the batting, Fakhar Zaman and young batter Khawaja Nafay could be included.

If changes are made, Usman Khan and one of Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan or Faheem Ashraf may make way.

Pakistan’s expected line-up includes Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Mirza, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed.

India’s likely XI features Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson or Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah.

Both Pakistan and India have won their opening two matches. The winner of today’s clash will qualify directly for the Super Eight stage.