New Delhi: India and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in the final of Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 17, but the weather may play a spoilsport in the title decider. According to the weather forecast, there is a high probability of rain in the evening in Colombo, where the match will be held. The sky will be cloudy throughout the day and the temperature will be around 30 degrees Celsius. The match is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. local time, but it may be delayed or interrupted due to rain and thunderstorms.
The weather in Colombo has been unpredictable in the past few days. On Thursday, there was a brief spell of rain that affected the Super-4 match between India and Afghanistan, which ended in a tie. However, there was no rain on Friday and Saturday, despite the forecast of heavy showers in the evening. According to AccuWeather, there is a 90 percent chance of thunderstorms and rain between 6 pm and 10 pm on Sunday, which means the match could be halted for some time or even reduced to a shorter format.
The rain pattern in Colombo is influenced by the humidity and temperature in the morning. If the morning is warm and humid, there is a higher chance of rain in the evening. This is what is expected on Sunday as well. The rain may also affect the pitch conditions at R. Premadasa Stadium, where the match will be played. The pitches at this venue are generally slow and low, making it difficult for the batsmen to score freely. However, if there is any interruption due to rain, the moisture under the covers may make the pitch more conducive for batting.
India will miss the services of their all-rounder Akshar Patel, who suffered a thigh muscle strain in the Super-4 match against Bangladesh. He has been ruled out of the Asia Cup and replaced by Washington Sundar. India will also have to decide whether to play Ravindra Jadeja or Krunal Pandya as their second spinner. Jadeja made a comeback to the ODI team after two years and picked up seven wickets in two matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Pandya, on the other hand, has been impressive with both bat and ball in his debut series.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have been unbeaten in the tournament so far and have shown great resilience and character. They defeated Pakistan twice in the group stage and then beat Bangladesh and Afghanistan in the Super-4 stage. Their captain Dasun Shanaka has led from the front with both bat and ball. He has scored 186 runs at an average of 62 and taken six wickets at an economy of 4.66. He will be supported by experienced players like Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
The final match between India and Sri Lanka promises to be a thrilling contest, but it may also depend on how the weather behaves on Sunday. Both teams will hope that rain does not spoil their chances of lifting the Asia Cup trophy.
