Asia Cup, IND vs PAK: Reserve day added for India vs Pakistan Super 4 game

In one of the bizarre decisions, the Asian Cricket Council has added a reserve day to only the India vs Pakistan game on September 10 in the Super Four match of Asia Cup 2023 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

As per ACC, if adverse weather suspends play during the India and Pakistan game, the match will continue on September 1 from the point it was suspended.

In such an eventuality, ticket-holders are advised to hold on to their match tickets which will remain valid and will be utilised for the reserve day.

Earlier, the Asia Cup final only had the reserve day, but the India and Pakistan match has been given an exception.

 

After against Pakistan, India's next scheduled match in the Super Four stage is versus Sri Lanka on September 12.

Colombo weather update ahead of India vs Pakistan game

A rain threat hangs over the India vs Pakistan match on Sunday, too, with up to 90 per cent chance of precipitation. If the weather clears up, India's bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah could return to action after having missed the Nepal fixture for the birth of his child.

However, a senior Sri Lanka Meteorological Department official has given the Asia Cup organisers, battling rain woes, some hope that the business end of the tournament could witness better playing conditions.

Athula Karunanayake, the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department director-general, told PTI TV on Wednesday that as per the prediction, the weather will be more conducive for cricket after September 9.

India will take on Pakistan in the Super Four match on September 10 at Colombo, while Rohit Sharma's side will clash with Sri Lanka at the same venue on September 12 and then against Bangladesh on September 15. The final is slated for September 17.

"During this time of the year, which is the end of the southwest monsoon period, the southwestern part of Sri Lanka receives more rainfall. In the last two weeks, we witnessed more rain in the western province. The western province could receive a bit of rain, but after September 9, it would be sunny and cloudy but with very little rain.

"In the coming week, the western province could get a few showers, but by September 17, the day the Asia Cup final will be played, rains are expected to subside," said Karunanayake.

How has rain affected Asia Cup matches in Sri Lanka so far?

The India vs Pakistan match played at Pallekele was called-off due to rain without a ball being bowled in the second innings. 

 

The winner for the India vs Nepal game was decided by DLS method with only 23 overs being mandated in the second innings due to rain.

 

(With agencies input)