Srinagar: Like previous matches, the weather is going to play major role in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Colombo on Thursday.
It is must win match for both the teams to make it to final after having suffered defeats against India and winning against Bangladesh. Owing to its huge defeat against India, it is most important match for Pakistan as their net run rate has gone down.
According to Accuweather, there is a high chance of rain intervening proceedings during the PAK vs SL match. There are thunderstorms predicted at 9 AM (local time), 2 PM, 5 PM and 8 PM. The chances of rain throughout the day are quite high with about 96% cloud cover.
The high chances of rain during the morning and afternoon may mean a delayed start. The chances of rain decrease towards the evening only to rise again after 8 PM. The fact that Premadasa has received consistent rainfall for the last five days, would mean the ground staff would need a considerable amount of time to make the conditions suitable for cricket.
What if the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup Super 4 match is washed out?
With no reserve day in place, if the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match is washed out due to rain, then both teams will share points and end the Super 4 stage on three points each but Sri Lanka will advance to the final because of their higher net run rate. Pakistan’s run rate was dented heavily because of the heavy 228-run loss to India.
The positive sign for Pakistan is that despite the weather predictions, rain has generally stayed away during the daytime. The drainage system of Premadasa is also impeccable. The match referee and the umpires would want to squeeze in at least a 20-over contest in a worst-case scenario.
If it does end up being a curtailed game, the team selection will be a crucial factor. Pakistan have already named their XI. Zaman Khan is all set to make his ODI debut against Sri Lanka He is set to replace injured Naseem Shah, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
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.