It is known that the group stage matches of the Asia Cup 2023 are being severely disrupted due to incessant rains in Sri Lanka. Super-4 matches will start from today (Wednesday). Today’s Pakistan-Bangladesh match will complete the matches on Pakistani soil. All the remaining matches are to be played at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. But due to the incessant rains there, there is a doubt about the management of the match. There were reports that the venue of the match will be changed.
There are speculations that the Super 4 and final matches will be moved from Colombo to Hambankota due to heavy rains. But the Asian Cricket Council decided not to change the venue as the weather in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo showed signs of improvement. Moreover, it is reported that the official broadcaster of the tournament has also objected to the shifting of the matches. The broadcaster apparently told the Asian Cricket Council that it would not be possible to move their supplies to the remote Hambant Fort in such a short time. In view of these reasons, the ACC has decided to hold the matches as usual in Colombo, leaving open the speculations of changing the match venue.
Four teams have qualified for the Asia Cup Super-4. Pakistan and India from Group-A, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from Group-B have qualified for the next stage. The matches between these teams will be played in round robin format. That means each team will face the other three teams. Overall, the top-2 teams at the end of the Super-4 will qualify for the final.
Pakistan-Bangladesh will face each other today. India will also play matches with three teams. India will face Pakistan on September 10, Sri Lanka on September 12 and Bangladesh on September 15. The Super-4 phase will conclude with the match on September 15. The final will be held on September 17 between the top-2 teams. This match will also be held at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. All matches will start at 3 PM.
Pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who went to India for his wife’s delivery after the match against Pakistan, will meet the team again by the Super-4 match. KL Rahul, who has fully recovered from the injury, has already arrived in Sri Lanka. He is likely to make a re-entry in the match against Pakistan on September 10.