India vs Pakistan Asia Cup match may get washed out due to heavy rain

The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Group A match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is at risk of getting washed out due to continuous rainfall. It has been raining quite heavily for the last two days in Pallekle. If the different weather apps are to be believed, things could get worse on Saturday (September 2), when the India vs Pakistan game is scheduled to take place. The lowest predicted rain percentage by weather for Saturday is 91%. It clearly makes it nearly impossible for the match to take place unless a miracle happens.

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Pallekele has hosted 33 ODIs so far and only three of them have been during August-September. It is giving a clear indication that Sri Lanka avoids hosting cricket matches during this time. The Asian Council had no choice but to go for a hybrid model once it was clear that India wouldn't get government clearance to travel to Pakistan, the original solo hosts of the tournament. The majority of the Asia Cup 2023 matches had to be shifted to Sri Lanka despite the weather predictions.

Before the India vs Pakistan Group A match on Saturday, home team Sri Lanka are set to kick off their Asia Cup campaign against Bangladesh in a Group B match at the same venue on Thursday. There are high chances of that match being halted by rain and a wet outfield. The consistent rain for the last three days has made it difficult for the ground staff to ready the field. There are multiple patchy areas in the playing area. Although the morning pictures showed bright sunshine.

What would happen if the India vs Pakistan match is washed out?

The ground staff will get a lot of time to make sure that a curtailed game takes place. It can be a 20-over contest between the two sides. But if even that is not possible then India and Pakistan will share points. Pakistan will automatically qualify for the Super 4 stage as they have already beaten Nepal. India then will have to beat Nepal in their group fixture to advance to the next round.