Rain played a spoilsport role on Sunday in the Super Fours match of the Asia Cup 2023, creating an unexpected chapter in ODI cricket history as India and Pakistan are set to play on the Reserve Day. The highly anticipated clash between these cricketing giants was halted due to heavy rain after 24.1 overs into the Indian innings on September 10 in Colombo, and the game couldn’t resume due to puddles on the ground at the R Premadasa Stadium.
The unwelcome weather conditions in Colombo led to a unique situation where India and Pakistan will face off on the scheduled Reserve Day, marking the first such occurrence in their cricketing rivalry. To find a similar instance for India, one must look back to the 2019 World Cup when they faced a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the semi-finals at Old Trafford in Manchester. For Pakistan, the last encounter on a Reserve Day was in August 1992 against England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Despite the frustration caused by the rain interruption, all hope is not lost. The match will resume from precisely where it left off on Sunday, ensuring both teams receive a fair opportunity to compete in a complete 50-overs-a-side game.
Sunday’s game had started under hot and humid conditions in the afternoon, promising an exciting showdown between the two cricketing powerhouses. The Indian team had been in a promising position at 147 for 2 in 24.1 overs when the rain forced the players off the field. This positive start was largely attributed to the brilliant performance of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who crafted impressive half-centuries while sharing a commanding opening stand of 121 runs. Following their dismissals, Virat Kohli and K L Rahul took over the crease, batting at 8 and 17, respectively, when the rain disrupted play.
The persistent rainfall and resulting ground conditions have set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown on the Reserve Day, as cricket fans eagerly await the resumption of this thrilling India vs. Pakistan encounter at the Asia Cup 2023.