New Delhi: As cricket enthusiasts gear up for the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup’s Super-4 stage, all eyes are not just on the teams but also on the unpredictable weather in Colombo. The weather factor has played a crucial role in previous matches, and it’s no different this time.
Weather uncertainty: Rain may play spoilsport
The third Super-4 match, pitting arch-rivals India and Pakistan against each other, is scheduled for today with a kick-off time of 3 pm. However, the weather in Colombo has raised concerns once again. In light of the possibility of rain, organizers have wisely kept a reserve day for this high-stakes encounter. India’s path to the final hinges on a victory in today’s match.
Pitch Report: Spin-friendly conditions anticipated
Adding to the weather-related apprehensions, the pitch at R Premadasa Stadium is expected to favor spin bowlers. This could pose challenges for batsmen looking to accumulate runs, while fast bowlers may need to put in extra effort to secure wickets. Spinners are likely to play a pivotal role for both teams. It’s worth noting that a previous match in Pallekele had to be canceled due to rain.
India’s Playing-11
For Team India, the possible playing-11 includes Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan/KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/Akshar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan’s Playing-11
Facing off against their arch-rivals, Pakistan’s probable playing-11 features Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Aga, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Haris Rauf.
While cricket enthusiasts eagerly await this high-stakes clash, the unpredictable weather in Colombo remains a concern. With rain looming as a potential disruptor, fans hope for an exciting and uninterrupted contest between these two cricketing giants in the Asia Cup.