On September 4, 2023, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, a groundsman cleaned up a field after play was suspended due to rain during the Asia Cup Group A match between India and Nepal. (Photo credit: Getty Images) )
The Asia Cup 2023 final, which was originally planned to take place on September 17 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, is reportedly likely to be moved to the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. The reports come amid persistent rain in the capital of Sri Lanka, which, despite the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) last-minute inclusion of a reserve day, threatens to cause another washout of the India vs. Pakistan match.
Although the shift to a different location has not yet been officially confirmed, a story from News24 followed by one from Times Now has stated that the organizers are considering it. On September 11 (Monday), the final decision on the venue shift will likely need to be made.
With only 24.1 overs feasible on the planned day and the match’s start already delayed on the reserve day, the match in Colombo appears to be headed in the same direction as their Group stage matchup, which saw India and Pakistan square up with each other without a win.
On September 17 (Sunday), there is a good chance that an India vs. Pakistan final will take place in these rivals. With the possibility of a third meeting between the two titans, there is no way the organizers would want the rain to ruin the match again, especially since the venue may be changed. Having said that, rain has also affected matches in Kandy, but the outlook appears positive for September 17’s IND vs. PAK weather forecast.
Weather in Colombo on Reserve Day for the IND vs. PAK match
The weather forecast for the reserve day of the IND vs. PAK Super Four match is not good news at all, with chances of precipitation hovering at 70-75% at 5 p.m. and hardly dropping to 49% by 6 p.m. If the rain wipes out this game, it would appear that India would have a point from their opening encounter. Pakistan, on the other side, will have three points from two games because they already defeated Bangladesh.
The IND vs. PAK Super Four match practically has a match on each of September 10, 11, and 12, as Rohit Sharma & Co. are scheduled to play Sri Lanka at the same stadium on September 12 (Tuesday), which means that the Men in Blue have a match on each of those days.
