As cricket fans eagerly await the resumption of the Super 4 clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023, concerns have arisen regarding the unpredictable weather conditions in Colombo. With rain being a potential spoiler on Sunday (September 10), the cricketing world is curious about the contingency plans in case the reserve day of the match also faces a washout.
The group stage encounter between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 was washed out due to rain. Cricket enthusiasts from both nations and around the world were looking forward to their Super 4 clash, but the rain played spoiler once again as the game was stopped after just 24.1 overs, with India at 147 for the loss of two wickets.
Rohit Sharma (56 off 49) and Shubman Gill (58 off 52) gave India a flying start after Pakistan captain Babar Azam asked the Men in Blue to bat first. However, both the Indian openers got out in a span of just seven balls. Former India captain Virat Kohli (8 not out) and KL Rahul (17 not out), who was making his comeback from injury, were at the crease when rain stopped play.
What if it rains on the reserve day?
Rain interruptions have been a recurring theme during the tournament, and there is a looming possibility that the reserve day of this marquee clash between India and Pakistan may also get washed out, leaving fans and the tournament organizers disappointed.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023, IND vs PAK: R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report, Colombo Weather Forecast For Reserve Day
However, the organizers have put contingency plans in place to ensure that the match can reach a conclusion if weather conditions continue to be unfavourable.
Here are some of the key considerations:
- Shortened Overs: If rain forces delays, the match officials may consider reducing the number of overs in the contest. This could result in a reduced but still competitive encounter, ensuring that the game takes place on the reserve day.
- Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) Method: In the event of rain interruptions, the DLS method could be used to adjust the target for the team batting second. The DLS method takes into account the number of overs played and wickets lost, offering a fair target for the chasing side.
- Shared Points: If all efforts to complete the match fail, ie. the reverse day also gets washed out, the teams will be awarded a point each and it can have implications on their standings in the Super 4 stage.
Well, the cricket fans worldwide are hoping for clear skies and an uninterrupted Super 4 contest between India and Pakistan on the reserve day.
