Another Pakistan-India clash seems under a cloud
Cricket
There is a 70pc chance of rain throughout the day
COLOMBO (Web Desk) – Like group A match, the Super Fours encounter between South Asian rivals Pakistan and India is also likely to be impacted by rain.
Group-stage showdown between both teams was washed out.
Fans hope to see a full match between arch rivals Pakistan and India could be in for more disappointment with the weather forecast predicting more rain during Sunday's Asia Cup match.
Both teams made it to the Super 4 stage of the tournament. The main leg of which will be held in Sri Lanka due to India's reluctance to play in Pakistan – the original hosts of the tournament.
After the highly-anticipated group game between Pakistan and India was washed out in Kandy over the weekend, organisers were forced to regroup and look at other venue options in the country that were relatively dry.
According to reports, Hambantota in the southern part of Sri Lank was seen as an option as the weather there is more conducive for a 50-over match. However, Colombo, in the western part of the country, has retained its hosting rights for now, despite rain being predicted for most of the next 10 days.
If the Super 4 match between the neighbours takes place at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo – there still could be a last-minute change – then we could be in for more rain interruptions. According to the UK's Met Office, there is a 70 per cent chance of rain throughout the day. However, according to the BBC there is lesser chance of rain on match day.
Also, the weather has eased in Colombo over the last few days, having witnessed flooding earlier.
India's match against Pakistan at Pallekele was set up perfectly after Rohit Sharma's team posted 266, thanks to blazing fifties from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. Pakistan fast bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, were at the top of their game and took all 10 wickets. However, the second innings never started as persistent rain ruined any chance of even a 20-over contest.
The tournament has been plagued by disjointed fixtures, teams moving back and forth between countries, and uncertainty over venues due to the weather. If the matches go ahead in Colombo and Sunday's game is another washout, the tournament organisers will have to answer some tough questions from member boards, broadcasters and fans.
