The Pakistan-Sri Lanka match in the Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Colombo on Thursday, is at risk of being affected by rain, according to multiple weather forecasts.
The crucial Super Four match, often referred to as a “virtual semi-final,” will take place at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in the Sri Lankan capital. The match is set to start at 2:30pm (PST).
AccuWeather predicts unfavorable weather conditions in Colombo, with a 93% chance of rain and a 56% chance of thunderstorms during the day. The forecaster also expects showers and thunderstorms in the evening, with a 98% cloud cover and a 48% chance of precipitation.
The Weather Channel also forecasts a 90% chance of rain and thunderstorms during the day, and an 80% chance of rain at night. The BBC’s weather forecaster predicts thundery showers and a gentle breeze throughout the day, with a high probability of rain.
If the match is washed out, Pakistan might be knocked out of the tournament, as they are currently ranked third in the Super Four on the net run-rate basis. In case of a draw, the points will be shared, and India will face Sri Lanka in the final on Sunday.
Pakistan’s net run-rate is -1.892, while Sri Lanka has a slightly better run-rate of -0.2. Pakistan’s poor net run-rate is a result of their 228-run loss against India in a one-day international match played over two days.
Rain has already played a significant role in the Asia Cup. The Pakistan-India match was washed out on September 2, and the second match between the two teams was also affected by rain in the Super Four. Additionally, rain influenced the game between India and Sri Lanka, which resulted in a dominant victory for India.
Due to the wet weather conditions in Colombo, the Asian Cricket Council considered moving the Super Four round matches to a different location. The hybrid-model approach, with matches being hosted by both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was proposed as a solution after the Board of Control for Cricket in India declined to hold the tournament in the country.