The weather has undeniably become a central point of discussion during the Asia Cup 2023. Throughout the tournament, rain has loomed like a silent, unpredictable adversary, threatening to disrupt the proceedings at any moment.
It cast a shadow of uncertainty over the much-anticipated semi-final clash between co-hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaited the clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, meteorologists painted a rather bleak picture.
Their predictions pointed towards heavy rainfall on the 14th of September, the day of the crucial semi-final. It seemed as though the elements themselves were intent on making their presence felt on the cricket pitch.
Meanwhile, India had already secured their place in the final, having triumphed over both Sri Lanka and Pakistan in their previous encounters.
If the match were to be washed out and unable to produce a result, Sri Lanka would emerge as the finalist. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka had accumulated two points each in the tournament standings, but the difference in Net Run Rate would come into play.
Sri Lanka, with a Net Run Rate of -0.200, held a slight advantage over Pakistan, whose Net Run Rate had taken a severe hit following their heavy defeat against India, standing at a challenging -1.892.
This numerical advantage, despite not being the ideal way to determine a finalist, would see Sri Lanka progress to the summit clash against India.
If the rain washed out Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, there will be a final between India and Sri Lanka on Sunday, 17th September, 2023.
