The Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Saturday was called off due to persistent rain. No play was possible after India made 266 in 48.5 overs.
At 9 PM IST, it seemed as if Pakistan would begin their run chase but before umpires got back to captains, the rain returned again. Then after an hour, the umpires decided to shook hands given the cut-off time for 20-over was 10:27 PM and groundsmen would have took 45-mins to ready the ground after the rain would have stopped.
Now Pakistan have three points in two of their Group A matches while India have one. India will next play Nepal on Monday (September 4) at the same venue.
Earlier, the wonderful rescue act of Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan helped India overcome a fiery opening spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi to post a healthy 266 against Pakistan. Kishan (82 off 81 balls) and Pandya (87 off 90 balls) kept Pakistan bowlers at bay with a 138-run fifth wicket stand off 141 balls to give their side a fine chance to make a winning start to the tournament.
