Rain Threat Looms Over India-Nepal Clash in Asia Cup After India-Pakistan Match Abandoned

The Asia Cup 2023 faces yet another weather challenge as the threat of rain looms over the upcoming clash between India and Nepal. After the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter was washed out due to persistent rain in Pallekele on September 2, cricket fans are anxiously watching the weather forecast for the India-Nepal fixture, which could also be affected by adverse weather conditions.

Rain threat looms over India vs. Nepal as well 

According to the latest weather forecast, there are high chances of rain during the India-Nepal clash. Although the likelihood of rain at the start of the match stands at approximately 20%, it significantly increases to nearly 70% around 6 PM IST, which is when the first innings is expected to reach its closing stages.

Despite concerns about rain in the lead-up to the India-Pakistan game, the match commenced on time. However, there were a couple of brief interruptions during the first innings, causing momentary stoppages in play.

Just when it seemed that the unfavourable weather had relented for good, the rain made an untimely return during the innings break, following India’s total of 266 runs. Unfortunately, the rain persisted, ultimately leading to the match’s abandonment, resulting in both teams sharing a point each.

Who will qualify for the Super 4? 

The abandonment of the India-Pakistan fixture presented a complicated scenario for India, who now find themselves in a must-win situation against Nepal in their second and final Group A encounter. Nepal, coming off a substantial defeat against Pakistan by 238 runs, enters the game eager for redemption. 

The winner of the India-Nepal clash will secure a spot alongside Pakistan in the Super Four stage. However, there is also the possibility of rain impacting the outcome, which could result in both teams earning one point each. In such a scenario, India would qualify for the next stage with two points compared to Nepal’s one. 

It’s important to note that, similar to the group stage, the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup has no reserve days allocated for rain-affected matches. However, fans can take solace in the fact that the Asia Cup final, scheduled for September 17 at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, has a reserve day on September 18, providing some insurance against weather disruptions.

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