KANDY: The much-anticipated Super Eight clash between Pakistan and England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is expected to proceed without weather interruptions at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
After rain washed out Pakistan’s previous fixture against New Zealand in Colombo, all eyes were on the forecast in Kandy.
However, the latest weather update offers encouraging signs, with mostly clear skies predicted around the 7:00 PM start time.
The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with a RealFeel of 28°C.
Humidity levels remain high at 68%, creating a sticky atmosphere, while the dew point of 20°C suggests significant moisture in the air, a factor that could influence conditions later in the evening.
Light northwest winds of 6 km/h, with occasional gusts up to 13 km/h, are unlikely to have a major impact.
Cloud cover is minimal at 14%, visibility stands at 16 kilometres, and the cloud ceiling is positioned at 9,100 metres, indicating stable conditions for play.
The AccuLumen Brightness Index points to complete darkness, consistent with typical evening conditions under lights.
While the weather appears favourable, air quality concerns have been flagged, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues.
The clear forecast comes as a relief after Pakistan’s Super Eight opener against New Zealand was abandoned at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium due to persistent rain.
The match was called off more than two-and-a-half hours after captain Salman Ali Agha had won the toss and opted to bat, resulting in both teams sharing a point.
With only the top two teams from each Super Eight group progressing to the semi-finals on March 4 and 5, every fixture carries added significance.
Historically, England have dominated this rivalry in the shortest format. In 31 T20 Internationals between the sides, England have won 21, Pakistan nine, while one match was abandoned.
In T20 World Cup contests specifically, England hold a 3-0 record over Pakistan.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.
England: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue and Luke Wood.
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