On Friday, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed that the 2nd game between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will have a reserve day. The blockbuster clash between India and Pakistan is slated to take place on Sunday (September 10). Since the first game between India and Pakistan was washed off on September 2nd, ACC came up with this decision.
“A reserve day has been incorporated for the Super11 Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match between India vs Pakistan scheduled to take place on 10th September 2023 at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo,” a statement from the ACC read.
“If adverse weather suspends play during the India vs Pakistan game, the match will continue on 11th September 2023 from the point it was suspended. In such an eventuality, ticket-holders are advised to hold on to their match tickets which will remain valid and will be utilised for the reserve day.”
According to the weather forecast, there are 90 percent chances of rain on Sunday in Colombo, the decision to have a reserve day looks like a good decision. Earlier, the ACC had shifted the Super 4 games from Colombo to Hambantota due to the weather inclement, but then they turned their decision after getting backlash from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The first game between India and Pakistan ended with a no result as rain played spoilsport. The Indian team batted first and their top order collapsed. It was Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya who rescued their side with a 138-run partnership. The Men in Blue managed to reach a total of 266. In reply, Pakistan could not bat because of constant rain interruptions.
Pakistan on the other hand outplayed Bangladesh by seven wickets in a Super 4 game and captain Babar Azam said it was a confident-boosting win and gave credit to his pace attack for doing the damage.
"This win will give us confidence, we are always ready for a big match. We will give our 100 percent in the next match. Yeah, the credit goes to all the boys, especially to the fast bowlers, the way they bowled in the first 10 overs, and especially Rauf was really good. Faheem Ashraf bowled very well, I saw the grass on the pitch and thought of going with the extra seamer."