Rain Disrupts Asian Games Cricket Quarterfinals, Semifinals Set
Ground Staff Race To Prepare Asian Games Cricket Venue After Rain
ISLAMABAD: (Sports Reporter0 – Sri Lanka will face India and Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the men’s cricket semifinals at the Asian Games, with both matches scheduled for Thursday.
Organisers are working to prepare the converted baseball field at Korogi Athletic Park for the knockout matches after persistent rain disrupted the quarterfinal stage.
Sri Lanka advanced to the semifinals after their quarterfinal against Nepal was washed out. Under the tournament rules, the higher-ranked team progresses when a match cannot be played because of bad weather.
Bangladesh secured their place in the last four through the same provision after rain prevented their quarterfinal against Malaysia from taking place.
Pakistan and defending champions India had already secured semifinal berths after their respective matches were abandoned on Monday because of rain.
Jarrad Shearer, who is overseeing the cricket tournament, said weather conditions posed significant challenges for the organisers.
“Cricket, like baseball, you can’t play it in the rain,” Shearer said.
Heavy rainfall has affected Nagoya and Japan’s Aichi Prefecture in recent days, but improved weather conditions are forecast from Wednesday.
Shearer said the ground staff would begin working early to remove water from uncovered areas, using equipment including squeegees, large brooms and sponges. Sunny weather and temperatures of around 32 degrees Celsius are also expected to help dry the field.
Meanwhile, India defeated Sri Lanka to win the women’s cricket gold medal at the Asian Games.
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