India is set to commence their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 2. However, there is a looming threat of rain that could potentially disrupt this high-voltage cricket showdown.
The historic cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan is poised to resume as both teams prepare to clash in the group-stage match of the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday, September 2. While the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is ready to host this much-anticipated encounter, the specter of rain threatens to play spoilsport in Kandy.
The Balagolla storm system is expected to bring heavy rain on Saturday, raising concerns among cricket enthusiasts. Both India and Pakistan have been placed in Group A, with Pakistan registering a commanding 238-run victory over Nepal in the tournament opener on August 30. However, rain is once again poised to affect India’s opening game.
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According to Google Weather, there is a 56% to 78% likelihood of rain during the game, accompanied by strong cloud cover throughout the day. The temperature is expected to hover around 25 degrees Celsius with 92% humidity during the initial stages of the match (at 3:00 PM IST). Another weather report from MET predicts a 68% chance of precipitation one hour before the game, indicating the likelihood of both teams playing on a wet outfield.
Rain had previously interrupted Sri Lanka’s opening game against Bangladesh at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on August 31, with mild showers causing a brief halt in play during the first half of the match. Pallekele is set to host both of India’s group-stage matches on September 2 and 4, while Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium will host six matches, including the final. Therefore, fans may have to brace for potential rain interruptions in a significant portion of the Asia Cup 2023 matches.
Despite the rain threat, excitement has reached a fever pitch for the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 clash, with match tickets selling out within minutes of the announcement by the organizers. Should both teams advance to the final on September 17, they could potentially face each other up to three times in the tournament.