The cricketing world eagerly anticipates the grand face-off between Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup 2023, set for Saturday, September 2nd, at the Pallekelle International Stadium in Kandy. However, the weather may play spoilsport as the MET department predicts a 60% chance of rain during the game.
This upcoming match holds significance as it marks the first ODI encounter between the two arch-rivals since their 2019 meeting at the ICC Cricket World Cup in Manchester. That game was also marred by rain, with India emerging victoriously via the DLS method by a margin of 89 runs.
The Asia Cup 2023, which kick-starts on Wednesday (Tomorrow) with hosts Pakistan taking on Nepal in Multan, introduces a 'hybrid model' this year. Despite Pakistan hosting the event, Team India will play all their matches in Sri Lanka.
While the cricketing action starts on Wednesday, all eyes will be on the weekend clash. Fans from both nations will be anxiously monitoring the weather conditions. The MET department's forecast indicates humidity levels around 98% and temperatures near 24°C for the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India match, beginning at 2:30pm PST.
Moreover, the venue, Pallekelle International Stadium, is also scheduled to host a match between Bangladesh and the defending champions, Sri Lanka, on Thursday, March 31st. There's a 44% probability of rain for that game, coupled with 88% humidity and an expected 99% cloud cover by afternoon.
The stakes are high and the expectations monumental. Both teams, and millions of their fans, will be hoping that rain doesn't dampen the spirit of this cricketing festival.