Rain threatens to wash out the India vs Pakistan Super Four match in Asia Cup 2023. Will the reserve day save the game?
Rain has been a constant disruptor in the ongoing Asia Cup, affecting almost every match played in Sri Lanka. The India-Pakistan rivalry has been particularly impacted. Heavy rains in Colombo forced the Super Four encounter between the two nations to be postponed to the reserve day, which is Monday.
Previous Encounters and Unfulfilled Expectations
The last match between India and Pakistan at the group stages also ended inconclusively due to rain. Only one inning was completed, with the second being entirely washed out. Despite weather forecasts predicting rain for Sunday's match, it began under bright and sunny conditions, raising hopes for a full 50-over game.
A Halt in the Action
However, the Indian innings was interrupted midway due to an intense spell of rain, making further play impossible. The match is set to resume on Monday, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul at the crease, standing at 147/2 in 24.1 overs. The game will continue as a 50-over contest.
Unpromising Weather Forecast for Reserve Day
Despite the anticipation, the weather forecast for the reserve day is far from promising. According to AccuWeather, there is an 80% chance of rainfall around 5 pm in Colombo, while the match is scheduled to resume at 3:00 pm local time. Weather.com's hourly forecast also indicates a persistent likelihood of rain, never dropping below 70% after 3 pm.
Current Standings and Implications
The weather conditions could be a significant setback for India, who are yet to win a Super Four match. Pakistan, having already defeated Bangladesh, leads the table with a net run-rate of +1.051. India aims for a strong start, especially after openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill both scored half-centuries, contributing 121 runs for the opening wicket.
While fans eagerly await the outcome, the weather remains a formidable opponent, threatening to wash out yet another high-stakes match between India and Pakistan.