Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: According to Accuweather, rain may intervene Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Super 4 match in Colombo.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Colombo weather forecast
Rain Threatens Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Clash in Asia Cup 2023
Date: September 14, 2023
Location: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
In a high-stakes showdown at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka will battle it out in a virtual semi-final of the Asia Cup 2023. The outcome of this penultimate match of the Super 4 stage will determine who secures a spot in the final to face India on Sunday.
India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, and his squad have already booked their place in the final by convincingly defeating both Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their initial two matches. Interestingly, even if India loses to Bangladesh in their last Super 4 stage match on Friday, it won’t alter their destiny. However, the situation is far from the same for Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have tasted victory against Bangladesh but faced defeats against the formidable Indian team. Here’s the straightforward equation: the winner of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match will earn a ticket to the final. But there’s a catch, and it’s a big one. Colombo’s unpredictable weather has emerged as a major player in this year’s Asia Cup.
With the rain gods making frequent appearances, almost all Super 4 matches, except Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh, have experienced interruptions. The highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash even required a reserve day to reach a conclusion, and there was a brief stoppage during the India vs. Sri Lanka match as well.
Unfortunately, if we trust the weather forecasts, the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka match could follow suit. In fact, it might even have a substantial impact on the outcome of Friday’s match. According to Accuweather, there’s a significant chance of rain disrupting proceedings throughout the day, with thunderstorms expected at various intervals.
The morning and afternoon are particularly vulnerable to rain, possibly leading to a delayed start. Although the chances of rain diminish towards the evening, they rise again after 8 PM. The consistent rainfall over the last five days in Premadasa means the groundstaff will need considerable time to prepare the conditions for cricket.
But what happens if the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka Asia Cup Super 4 match is entirely washed out? Is there a reserve day to fall back on? Regrettably, there’s no reserve day in place for this crucial encounter.
In case the match falls victim to rain, both teams will share the points, concluding the Super 4 stage with three points each. However, Sri Lanka will secure a place in the final due to their superior net run rate. Pakistan’s run rate took a significant hit following their hefty 228-run loss to India.
Despite the gloomy weather predictions, there’s a glimmer of hope for a game. Rain has typically avoided the daytime hours, and the impeccable drainage system at Premadasa offers optimism. In the worst-case scenario, the match officials would aim to squeeze in at least a 20-over contest.
Should it come down to a curtailed game, the team selection will be of paramount importance. Pakistan has already unveiled its XI, with Zaman Khan set to make his ODI debut against Sri Lanka, replacing the injured Naseem Shah, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
Additionally, fast bowler Haris Rauf will sit out the match due to injury. Pakistan has also made a strategic change by dropping the out-of-form Fakhar Zaman and bringing in Mohammad Haris at the top of the order.
Pakistan XI: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan.
Sri Lanka XI: D Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, C Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, D de Silva, D Shanaka (C), K Mendis (wk), S Samarawickrama, M Theekshana, K Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
As cricket fans eagerly await the outcome, the Colombo weather remains a significant player in this thrilling Asia Cup journey.
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