The weather department is sounding another warning for Colombo today, with heavy rains expected after 4 pm. This unfortunate forecast is casting a shadow over the much-anticipated clash in the 2023 Asia Cup between Pakistan and India, which has already been affected twice by rain.
Today, it seems unlikely that the match will reach completion, as Colombo has been experiencing a persistent drizzle since early morning, and ominous clouds loom over the city. The weather experts are particularly concerned about the heavy downpour expected later in the day.
Not so good in Colombo. It’s raining early morning #AsiaCup2023 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/PNmJVioZfa
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) September 11, 2023
Yesterday, the Asia Cup’s marquee encounter faced a similar fate, forcing a halt to the Super Four clash between the arch-rivals. This contest, which had India batting and reaching 147-2 in 24.1 overs, had to be postponed to today due to inclement weather. The match was put on hold for nearly four hours before the decision to continue it on the reserve day was made.
The previous meeting between these cricketing giants on September 2nd in Pallekele had also been abandoned due to rain after India’s innings.
In yesterday’s game, India’s openers displayed a strong performance, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill leading the way with a remarkable 122-run opening partnership. Gill, in particular, took the fight to Pakistan’s pace attack, hitting three boundaries in an over off Shaheen Afridi.
Rohit Sharma, after surviving Naseem Shah’s fiery spell, went on to score a breezy 56, laced with four sixes, before getting caught in the deep. Spinner Shadab Khan ended Gill’s impressive knock, temporarily shifting the balance in Pakistan’s favor.
KL Rahul, who was brought in as a replacement for the injured Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli were poised to stabilize India’s innings when rain intervened. Rahul, on 17, looked comfortable in his first match since recovering from a thigh injury sustained in May.