Only 24.1 overs of play was possible on Sunday in the India vs Pakistan game in the Super 4 round of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, played at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
The rain came after India played 24.1 overs after being put in to bat first and India’s innings started at the scheduled 3 PM start. Although it wasn’t a heavy rain, the drizzle kept on and when it stopped at around 7 PM, a delay of over an hour was forced because of a wet, damp patch near the boundary line.
Hopes rose up for a start at 9 PM for a 34-over game. However, at around 8.30 PM, rain came down once again the play was called off for the day.
Thankfully, for the fans, there is a reserve day scheduled. Fearing this very similar thing – which had already washed out the India vs Pakistan match in Pallekele last week – the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) had already added a reserve day, of Monday, to this India vs Pakistan encounter in Super 4, though no other match got this luxury except for the final on September 17.
Here are the reserve day rules: What Happens If IND vs PAK Match Goes Into Reserve Day?
So, if the rain gods allow, the match will resume on Monday at the same point of 24.1 overs. However, this may not be the best news for the Indian cricket team. Here’s why.
India to play on three consecutive days as IND vs SL is scheduled for Tuesday
With this India-Pakistan match going into the reserve day of Monday, a big problem for the Team India has arrived that now they will be playing – again, if rain allows – on three consecutive days as their match with Sri Lanka is scheduled for Tuesday.
While this happens in T20 and T10 cricket in some of the franchise leagues, where bowlers bowl only a 4 overs in a game, spread across two or three spells, this isn’t ideal for ODI cricket.
If the India vs Pakistan match does resume on Monday, and for it to have a result, Pakistan must at least bat for 20 overs (or if they are bowled within 20 overs), and then the Indian bowlers will again have to turn up on Tuesday for the Sri Lanka game. This would take a toil in the fast bowlers especially.
In that case, India might rest Jasprit Bumrah for the Sri Lanka game, and bring in Mohammed Shami, who isn’t picked for the Pakistan match. Axar Patel could also come in for either Thakur or Siraj.
