India and Pakistan will clash for the second time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on September 10, Sunday, in the Super 4s stage of the tournament. While their Group A stage match was rained out after India had batted, both teams defeated Nepal in their other match and qualified for the next stage.
Apart from the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh Super 4s stage match in Lahore, Colombo will be hosting all the rest of the encounters and the final. This was finalized by ACC on September 5 and communicated to participating nations.
This was because of the rain threat in Colombo, as there were chances of heavy downpours in the city and it was possible to move the matches to Hambantota.
However, a senior Sri Lanka Meteorological Department official has given the Asia Cup organizers, some hope that the business end of the tournament could witness better playing conditions.
Athula Karunanayake, the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department director-general, told PTI TV on Wednesday that as per the prediction, the weather will be more conducive for cricket after September 9.
"During this time of the year, which is the end of the southwest monsoon period, the southwestern part of Sri Lanka receives more rainfall. In the last two weeks, we witnessed more rain in the western province. The western province could receive a bit of rain, but after September 9, it would be sunny and cloudy but with very little rain.
In the coming week, the western province could get a few showers but by September 17, the day the Asia Cup final will be played, rains are expected to subside," said Karunanayake to PTI TV.
India will take on Pakistan in the Super Four match on September 10 at Colombo, while Rohit Sharma's side will clash with Sri Lanka at the same venue on September 12 and then against Bangladesh on September 15. The final is slated for September 17.
(PTI inputs)
