IND vs SL Asia Cup Final: What happens if rain interrupts the India vs Sri Lanka match?

Sri Lanka kept their chances of Asia Cup title defence alive by defeating Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling Super Four contest on Thursday, September 14. The win guided Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup final scheduled to be played on Sunday, September 17. In the summit clash, the hosts will be up against seven-time Asia Cup champions Team India.

The final between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Despite all its delirium and excitement, the Asia Cup final has somewhat been marred by the predictions of rain in Colombo on Sunday. However, there is a provision for a reserve day in case rain plays spoilsport tomorrow.

What happens if rain interrupts Asia Cup final 2023

Initially, the Asia Cup final was the only game which had a reserve day. Another reserve day was later added to the Super Four clash between two arch-rivals India and Pakistan. It was the only fixture of the Asia Cup to have a reserve day apart from the final match. The change to the playing conditions was communicated by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), requesting fans to keep their tickets in case a reserve day is needed due to rain.

In case a reserve day is enforced for the Asia Cup final encounter between India and Sri Lanka, the duration of the game will be the same as on the last ball of day one. However, organisers will leave no stone unturned to finish the fixture on the original day. Despite having the provision for a reserve day for the final match, hosts and organisers are advised to complete the match on the original day, even if it means shortening the fixture.

India vs Pakistan match was disrupted by rain

Rain has already triggered a washout in Pallekele, Sri Lanka, when India and Pakistan first faced each other in the group stage of the Asia Cup. In a bid to avoid another washout, a reserve day was added for the two bitter rivals’ Super Four contest on September 10. The decision did turn out to be wise, but it was slammed by many. Former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga felt that by introducing the provision for reserve day for one game, the organisers were favouring a particular team.

"I won't be surprised if they change the rule before the India-Pakistan game (in World Cup). ICC will keep their mouth shut and say 'OK, do it'. ICC just talks rubbish, nothing happens. Why did they play in Colombo when you have places like Hambantota? That ground was built to play cricket during the rainy season. And you come to Colombo to play in the Asia Cup. What is ACC doing,” the World Cup-winning captain was quoted by news agency PTI as saying during a media interaction.

Colombo Weather forecast

The Asia Cup final between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled to start at 3 PM IST on Sunday. As there is a rain forecast, the match is expected to be interrupted. According to Weather.com there are predictions of cloudy atmosphere with 80 per cent chances of rain throughout Sunday.

(with inputs from agencies)