It has been a rain-affected Asia Cup 2023 so far already. While India's match against Pakistan in the Group-stage which was scheduled at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy was washed out, rain came in even during their ongoing Super Fours fixture at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first, Indian openers got the team off to a splendid start with each of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scoring half-centuries.
Rohit eventually departed for 56 off 49 balls, falling to Shadab Khan in the 17th over and bringing an end to a 121-run partnership. In the very next over, Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Gill with a slower delivery. That brought two new batters at the middle Virat Kohli and comeback man KL Rahul who replaced Shreyas Iyer in the Playing 11. The two were looking to get set before eyeing a strong finish as rain came in and covers had to be brought on with India's scoreboard reading 147/2 in 24.1 overs.
However, a visual has since then been the talk of the cricketing world. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was spotted helping the ground staff in bringing the covers on to the field. His heartwarming gesture has gone viral on social media.
Take a look:
Talking about Zaman, while there has been some concern about his form heading into the Asia Cup 2023, the management has backed him and given him a long rope. He has not yet played an innings of substance in this tournament but has managed to retain his place in the side. The Men in Green have included four pacers in their Playing 11 for this match with them deciding to go ahead with Faheem Ashraf other than the trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.