Pak vs India: Will the arch-rivals high-voltage clash be affected by rains?

Sri Lankan met department says Colombo likely to experience "several spells of showers" today

Sports Desk

September 10, 2023

Covers set up on the pitch after rain set in to disrupt the India-Pakistan clash during the Asia Cup 2023 Group stage on September 04, 2023. — AFP

The highly-anticipated high-voltage match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan kicked off on Sunday; however, the possibility of the match being affected by rain looms large as the world turns its eyes towards Colombo, Sri Lanka.

This is the second time the two sides have gone up against each other in the ongoing six-team continental tournament. During their match last week, rain washed out their game.

According to the weather advisory issued by the Si Lankan Meteorological Department, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. Fairly heavy showers above 75mm are likely at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Puttalam, Galle and Matara districts."

The met department further shared that Colombo is likely to experience "several spells of showers" today.

Furthermore, as per the latest weather report today, there is a 49% chance of rain at 1:30pm PST and will increase to 66% at around 2:30pm, which is the scheduled start time for the India vs Pakistan Super Fours game.

Rain prediction throughout the match on Sunday will range from 49 to 69%. It is highly likely that today's match between India and Pakistan will be affected by rain just like their previous match in the group stage.

If, however, the clash is not completed today, it will continue from the point where it was suspended on September 11 (tomorrow) which has been designated as the reserve day for the high-octane clash.

But it is possible that the reserve day, too, will witness rain. According to The Weather Channel, thunderstorms are expected daily in Colombo till September 17.

However, according to ESPNcricinfo, it was bright and sunny on Sunday morning in Colombo.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets on Wednesday to begin their Super 4 campaign. If the remaining Super 4 matches are washed out, Pakistan will qualify for the final with four points.

In case of washouts, Sri Lanka and India will be tied on three points each, along with the same Net Run Rate, which is why a coin toss will be done to determine which team will play the final.

Bangladesh will only have two points, since they have already lost one game in the Super Four, in case of washouts, and thus will not be in the race for the final.

The trophy will be shared if the final of the Asia Cup 2023 is also washed out on September 17.