Asia Cup 2023: Rain Likely To Play Spoilsport In Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka Match

The team that emerges victorious today will qualify for the Asia Cup 2023 final against India scheduled for Sunday 

Asia Cup 2023: Rain Likely To Play Spoilsport In Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka Match

Rain is anticipated to halt today's crucial Pakistan-Sri Lanka match in Colombo as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) continues to struggle with the weather.

The team that wins today advances to the Asia Cup 2023 final, which will take place on Sunday at the same location and include India.

Colombo is currently dry, but there are still strong gusts blowing around the city. Additionally, sporadic rain is expected the whole day.

Sri Lanka will secure its spot in the championship game if today's game is postponed since they have a greater run rate than Pakistan.

Rain has interfered with previous games in the event. All of Pakistan's previous games there have been impacted by persistent downpours.

In addition, the Green Shirts have made significant roster adjustments, adding a number of new players after Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Salman Ali Agha sustained injuries during the current competition.

Injuries to Pakistan's top quicks are a major setback before the game, but bowling coach Morne Morkel called it a "fantastic opportunity" for young talent.

"A big blow, picking up those little niggles, but in this same sort of thing, what a fantastic opportunity for the guys coming in," former South African fast bowler Morkel told reporters.

"After losing to India, tomorrow's game is a must-win for us, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the new guys step up, to seeing their character, to seeing how they respond."

Zaman Khan, 22, a champion for the Lahore Qalandars in this year's PSL, arrived here from Pakistan and is already well-known in the country's cricket scene.

"I'm excited just to work with him, connect Hari with them, build that relationship, and help him develop because he's a match winner," Morkel said.

Pakistan's speed assault, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, shook up India in the Asia Cup group match, which was called off after just one inning.

However, India recorded 356-2 in their most recent encounter against Shaheen and company, which was split over two days owing to weather.

Prior to their 50-over championship match against their bitter rivals on October 14, Morkel said the 228-run loss to India was an excellent learning experience.

He said that Shaheen received a "world-class" rating, adding that "those are fantastic learnings for us."

The more challenging circumstances we may encounter before the World Cup, the better. I assure you, we will learn from this and rebound stronger.

The dearth of good spinners in Pakistan has been seen as a key obstacle to turning Sri Lankan wickets, but Morkel maintains that the slow bowlers are still prepared to deliver.

Mohammad Haris, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, and Zaman were all added to the Pakistani side that was defeated by India.