In the thrilling Asia Cup 2023, the cricketing giants, India and Pakistan, are all set to lock horns for the second time, adding to the excitement of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. The much-anticipated showdown scheduled for September 10, a Sunday, during the Super 4s stage of the tournament.
Previously, the group stage encounter between these arch-rivals disrupted by rain, leaving fans hungry for a competitive match. India had begun their innings before the weather intervened. Fortunately, both India and Pakistan managed to secure victories against Nepal in their respective matches, securing their spots in the Super 4s stage.
Colombo will play a pivotal role in hosting the majority of the Asia Cup matches, including the final. This decision taken by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on September 5, and it subsequently communicated to the participating nations.
The choice of Colombo as the primary venue influenced by concerns over potential heavy downpours in the city, making it viable to relocate matches to Hambantota. However, there is optimism in the air, thanks to insights from a senior official at the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department.
Athula Karunanayake, Director-General of the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department, shared promising news. He revealed that, as per their predictions, the weather conditions will become more favorable for cricket post-September 9. Typically, this time of year witnesses the tail end of the southwest monsoon, resulting in increased rainfall in the southwestern region of Sri Lanka. While the western province may experience occasional showers in the upcoming week, expected to become sunnier and less rainy by September 9. Rainfall predicted to subside by September 17, the date of the Asia Cup final.
The action-packed Super 4s stage includes India’s face-off against Pakistan on September 10 at the Colombo venue. Subsequently, Rohit Sharma’s formidable Indian side will take on Sri Lanka on September 12 and Bangladesh on September 15 at the same location. The much-anticipated Asia Cup final scheduled for September 17, promising an exhilarating climax to this prestigious tournament.
