Colombo weather report today: India will meet Bangladesh in
their last Super 4 match of Asia Cup 2023 on Frida
Team India was the first to qualify for the final of the
2023 Asia Cup when it defeated Sri Lanka in the Super 4 stage on Tuesday.
Incidentally, India will face the island nation in the final as well, as Dasun
Shanaka's men registered a thrilling win in the rain-hit must-win clash
against Pakistan on Thursday night. Before the final, though, India
face another test as they take on the already-eliminated Bangladesh side
in the final game of the Super 4.
Bangladesh were the first side to get knocked out in the
second round, facing successive losses against Pakistan and Sri Lanka last
week. Shakib Al Hasan's men, however, will aim at ending the campaign on a
high, and will seek inspiration from their performance against India in the
home ODI series last year when they defeated the Rohit Sharma-led side 2-1.
Throughout the Asia Cup tournament, the unpredictable
weather in Colombo has been a significant cause for concern. Initially, there
were discussions within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) about relocating the
Super 4 matches to Hambantota, but ultimately, the decision was made to adhere
to the original schedule.
As for the upcoming India vs Bangladesh match, the weather
forecast presents a looming challenge yet again, with a 65 percent chance of
rain predicted. Thunderstorms are anticipated in both the morning and
afternoon, with expected cloud cover reaching 90 percent. This raises concerns
about the match's potential disruption due to adverse weather conditions.
Barring India's last game against Sri Lanka, all of their matches have been
affected by rain in the ongoing Asia Cup.
The weather had also disrupted proceedings in Thursday's
Super 4 clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well; while the toss was
delayed by over two hours wit the match reduced to 45 overs per-side, the overs
were further curtailed to 42 following another disruption during Pakistan's
first innings.
Will India rest players?
With the side already in the final, the team management
might be inclined at resting a few of its players to keep them fresh for the
title clash on September 17. India had played two ODIs on three-successive days
(one being Reserve Day), and fatigue factor might be considered while taking a
decision on playing XI for the Friday's clash against Bangladesh.