India vs. Pakistan: What happens if it rains on the reserve day? How will the Super 4 equation be determined in such a scenario

Rain Delays India vs. Pakistan Super 4 Match

The rivalry between India vs. Pakistan is legendary in the world of cricket, and every encounter between these two teams is a spectacle. However, even the cricket gods seem to have a say in this epic rivalry. On September 2, the highly anticipated India-Pakistan group stage match was disrupted by rain. Now, in the ongoing Super 4 stage, rain has once again halted the match. Fortunately, organizers have prepared for such contingencies with a reserve day.

A Fresh Start on the Reserve Day

The India-Pakistan clash is set to resume on Monday, starting from where it left off on Sunday. This means Team India will pick up their batting innings from 24.1 overs, with a scoreboard showing 147 runs. The responsibility of continuing the innings falls on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who are at the crease.

The Looming Rain Threat

Amidst all the excitement, a pressing question looms in the minds of cricket fans: What if it rains again on the reserve day? First, let’s take a look at the Colombo weather forecast. There are chances of rain on Monday, September 11, with a 50 percent likelihood of precipitation. But what happens if rain disrupts the match once more, and how will the Super 4 advancement be determined?

Rain on the Reserve Day: The Scenario

In the event of rain on the reserve day, the umpires will make every effort to complete the match, even if it means playing fewer than 50 overs. However, if the rain gods remain unrelenting, and the match is washed out, both teams will once again share a point each. In this scenario, both India and Pakistan will have to rely on winning their remaining matches to secure a spot in the Super 4 finals. India will need victories against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while Pakistan has already secured a win against Bangladesh and will face Sri Lanka in their sole remaining match.

UPDATE – Play has been called off due to persistent rains 🌧️

See you tomorrow (reserve day) at 3 PM IST!

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/kg7Sh2t5pM #TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2023 | #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/7thgTaGgYf

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 10, 2023

Match Recap

In the interrupted match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl, defying the expected batting preference on the R Premadasa Stadium pitch. Indian openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma capitalized on this decision, with Rohit making a strong start, hitting a long six off Shaheen Shah Afridi’s first over.

Shubman Gill took the lead, striking three fours in the third and fifth overs (both delivered by Shaheen). Naseem Shah presented a good challenge but failed to claim any wickets. When vice-captain Shadab Khan was introduced into the attack, Rohit Sharma took the initiative and dominated the proceedings.

The Indian team managed to surpass the 100-run mark without losing a wicket, with both Rohit and Shubman reaching their half-centuries. However, Shadab dismissed Rohit, and Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed Shubman shortly after. KL Rahul, returning from injury, joined Virat Kohli on the crease, but then the rain intervened.

As it stands, India has scored 147 runs in 24.1 overs, with KL Rahul batting on 17 runs and Virat Kohli on 8 runs. The match is poised to resume from this point on Monday, pending further weather disruptions.

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