ISLAMABAD: Intermittent rain delayed the start of the big-ticket India and Pakistan cricket clash for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup in Colombo on Monday, a day after rain halted the match between the two sides and forced it into the reserve day.
India were batting at 147-2 runs from 24.1 overs when a downpour stopped the play. Ground staff expected a restart at 9pm local time, but further rain forced umpires to call off the match.
The reserve day was activated, with organizers aiming to have a full 50 overs for each innings.
However, despite an hour passing before play was supposed to resume, intermittent rain delayed the game once again.
“Delays persist for #PAKvIND Super 4 match on the reserve day,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
On Sunday, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and sent India in to bat first. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave their side a brilliant start and added 121 runs from just 100 deliveries.
The partnership broke soon after the drinks break, when Rohit attempted to hit Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan over cover, but ended up hitting straighter and was brilliantly caught by all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.
Gill failed to spot a cutter from Shaheen Shah Afridi (1-37 in 5 overs) and ended up spooning an easy catch, being too early on his shot.
Former Indian captain Virat Kohli was unbeaten on eight and K.L. Rahul was 17 not out when rain paused play.
The first match between India and Pakistan on Sept. 2 was washed out after India were bowled out for 266 in the 49th over.