10 September 2023, Mumbai: India and Pakistan, fierce cricket rivals, are set to face off in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2023 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday. However, persistent rain interruptions have plagued the tournament, with their previous encounter being washed out due to rain. With a 90 percent chance of rain forecasted for Sunday in Colombo, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has made the prudent decision to schedule a reserve day for this high-stakes clash.
Concerns Over Rain
Rain has been a persistent issue in the Asia Cup 2023, with several matches affected by washouts. Given the high likelihood of rain in Colombo on Sunday, the ACC is taking precautions to ensure that the India vs. Pakistan match has a fair chance of being completed.Reserve Day Arrangement:In the event that the match is not concluded on Sunday due to rain, it will be rescheduled for the following day, Monday, September 11. Match officials will implement various measures to facilitate a result on the originally scheduled match day, primarily by reducing the number of overs if play is interrupted by rain.
Minimum Overs Required
To achieve a result in an ODI match, a minimum of 20 overs must be bowled in each inning, as per ICC regulations. If this minimum requirement is not met due to rain, the match will be carried over to the reserve day.Reserve Day Rules:It’s important to note that the reserve day is a continuation of the match, not a fresh start. Consequently, the scores and progress from the original match day will be carried forward to the reserve day. If no play is possible on the original match day, the full ODI match will be conducted on the reserve day.
Past Reserve Day Scenario
The last instance of Team India playing on a reserve day was during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semifinal against New Zealand. Rain had interrupted play with New Zealand at 211 for 5 in 46.1 overs. The next day, play resumed from the same score, and New Zealand eventually posted 239 for 8 in 50 overs. India’s pursuit fell short as they were dismissed for 221 in 49.3 overs, leading to a heartbreaking 18-run loss. It was a memorable match as it marked MS Dhoni’s final international appearance.
Unique Provision for India vs. Pakistan
Notably, the India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash is the only match in the tournament with a provision for a reserve day, as per the ACC’s decision. In the event that play is not feasible on the originally scheduled match day for the remaining Super 4 games, they will be classified as ‘No Result.’