A disappointment for Pakistan India Cricket Fans
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Similar to the Group A encounter, the impending Super Fours clash between South Asian adversaries Pakistan and India may also fall victim to the capricious rains.
During the group stage, both teams faced a disheartening washout, leaving fans yearning for a full-fledged showdown between these arch-rivals. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Sunday's Asia Cup match predicts yet more rain, further dashing hopes of an uninterrupted match.
Despite these meteorological obstacles, both teams have successfully advanced to the Super 4 stage of the tournament, a phase relocated to Sri Lanka due to India's reluctance to compete in Pakistan, the initial host nation.
In the aftermath of the much-anticipated group match's abandonment in Kandy, event organizers scrambled to explore alternative venues within the country that offered more favorable climatic conditions. One option considered was Hambantota in the southern part of Sri Lanka, known for its suitability for a full 50-over contest. However, Colombo, situated in the western region of the country, has retained its hosting rights despite the ominous rain forecasts for the coming days.
If the Super 4 clash between these neighboring rivals ultimately unfolds at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium (pending any last-minute alterations), there remains a looming threat of rain interruptions. According to the UK's Met Office, there is a 70 percent chance of precipitation throughout the day. Conversely, the BBC suggests a slightly lesser probability of rainfall on the day of the match.
Moreover, recent days have witnessed a slight respite in Colombo's inclement weather, which had previously caused flooding in the area.
Reflecting on India's last match against Pakistan at Pallekele, anticipation was high following Rohit Sharma's team's formidable total of 266, powered by spectacular fifties from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya. Pakistan's fast bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi, displayed exceptional prowess by taking all 10 wickets. However, the second innings never commenced due to relentless rain, erasing any hope of even a truncated 20-over showdown
