Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was among the first ones to admit that rain saved Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match against India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, September 10 (Sunday). The ex-Pakistan pacer, known as the Rawalpindi Express, also lashed out at Pakistan captain Babar Azam for electing to field first. His remark came after rain interrupted play with India on 147/2 in 24.1 overs.
Even though Akhtar remarked that the rain saved them, the situation was much worse for them until a few overs ago as both Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill were looking threatening. Both the openers completed their respective half-centuries and put on a 121-run stand before they got out in successive overs. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were looking to build a partnership and then take it from there when rain-interrupted.
"I came to watch the match, we are all waiting, Indian and Pakistani fans. Rain saved us, rain saved India the other day, but today rain saved us," Akhtar was heard saying in the video posted on his social media account.
Here is Shoaib Akhtar's video here:
Play remains suspended in Colombo and every attempt is being made to get the game underway on September 10 only after which the match would be taken to reserve day on Monday (September 11). However, a shortened game would be advantage Pakistan. On the other hand, India would believe that they get an opportunity to bat out their 50 overs especially with the provision of a reserve day on Monday.
In case both India and Pakistan reach the finals, there will yet another clash between the arch-rivals in the continental tournament which is also scheduled to take place in Colombo on September 17 (Sunday).