CHRIS DHAMBARAGE
COLOMBO – Persistent rain in Colombo pushed the Asia Cup Super Four clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan into a reserve day at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
India were 147 for two in 24.1 overs when rain halted play after they were put into bat and Virat Kohli and K. L. Rahul will resume their innings on Monday.
Earlier, India made an impressive start to the game, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scoring half centuries at a brisk pace in an opening partnership worth 121 runs.
However, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s expensive first spell and Naseem Shah’s unlucky deliveries kept Pakistan in the game.
Pakistan managed to regain control by dismissing both openers in quick succession, with Afridi claiming the wicket of Gill with a slower ball and thereafter, rain arrived with Kohli and Rahul at the crease.
Despite a brief respite, rain returned, and the chances of the match finishing on Sunday with reduced overs were ruled out. The umpires conducted multiple inspections of the ground but couldn’t find a suitable window to resume play.
There is more rain forecast in Colombo on Monday, raising the possibility of India playing on three consecutive days if the match does resume. India’s Super Four match against Sri Lanka is scheduled for Tuesday.
Chief scores:
India: 147/2 in 24.1 overs (Shubman Gill 58, Rohit Sharma 56) v Pakistan.
