In what is being seen as a virtual semi-final of Asia Cup with the winner will take on India in the final, Pakistan take on Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on September 14, Thursday.
India had already booked their ticket to finale after back-to-back victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. However, the road for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka isn't that straightforward. While both teams have tasted success against Bangladesh, they faced defeat against India.
But here's the twist - the decisive match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been hindered by the raingod and the incessant downpour has already led to the delay in toss which was scheduled to take place at 2:30 PM IST. Babar Azam's brigade will hope the rain stays at bay
Rain is the unforeseen player in this Asia Cup. Excluding the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh game, the rains have had a say in all Super 4 matches. The iconic India vs Pakistan game even needed an additional reserve day for conclusion.
Colombo Weather Insights for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match
Weather predictions indicate that this match will likely be influenced by rain. Accuweather has forecasted thunderstorms at multiple intervals throughout the day, with a staggering 96% cloud cover prediction. A delay due to the early showers is anticipated, with a possible resurgence of rain post 8 PM. Considering the consistent rainfall over the past five days, there will be added pressure on the groundstaff to prepare the field.
What if the game between SL vs PAK is abandoned?
The absence of a reserve day means that a washout would lead both teams to split points. Yet, Sri Lanka holds an edge due to their superior net run rate, a direct consequence of Pakistan's severe loss to India. with elimination sword hanging on their head, Pakistan would want to win this game with least interruption of raingod.
Talking about the weather, despite gloomy predictions, daytime rain has been scarce, and R Premadasa Stadium boasts an excellent drainage system. The officials would ideally push for at least a truncated 20-over game. The decisive match still awaits the toss and the consequence still lies in the hands of fate.
Team compositions in reduced-over games are paramount. Pakistan has unveiled their playing XI, marking Zaman Khan's ODI debut, filling in for the injured Naseem Shah. Other notable changes include fast bowler Haris Rauf nursing an injury and an out-of-form Fakhar Zaman making way for Mohammad Haris.
Pakistan, who announced their Playing XI on Wednesday, made a massive five changes, also handing Zaman Khan making his ODI debut.
Pakistan's Playing XI against Sri Lanka: 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
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