Rain could play a major role when defending champions India take on Afghanistan in the second quarterfinal of the cricket event at the Asian Games on Monday.
The match is scheduled to be played at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin, but the weather forecast has raised concerns over both quarterfinals on the day.
According to AccuWeather, there is a 97% chance of precipitation in Nisshin on Monday, putting the two knockout matches under a serious rain threat.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli Reveals His Dream For ‘Last World Cup’ In 2027 After 2023 Final Heartbreak
Pakistan vs Hong Kong First Up
Pakistan will face Hong Kong, China in the first quarterfinal of the day. The match is scheduled to start at 9 AM local time, which is 5:30 AM IST.
The India-Afghanistan quarterfinal will follow at 1:30 PM local time, or 10 AM IST.
The weather forecast does not look particularly promising during the morning. AccuWeather has predicted a 69% chance of precipitation at 8 AM local time, increasing to 70% at 9 AM, when the first quarterfinal is scheduled to begin.
The rain chances are forecast at 49% at 10 AM, 75% at 11 AM and 71% at noon.
ALSO READ: IND vs WI: Virat Kohli Creates History vs West Indies, Goes Past Mohammad Azharuddin’s ODI Record
Rain Threat During India Match
The chances of rain are expected to drop to 40% at 1 PM local time, around the scheduled toss for the India-Afghanistan match.
However, the threat will remain throughout the afternoon. The precipitation chances are forecast at 34% at 2 PM and 40% at 3 PM before rising to 58% at 4 PM.
The chances then stand at 49% at 5 PM, 60% at 6 PM and 49% at 7 PM local time.
India and Pakistan Could Advance Without a Ball Being Bowled
If rain completely washes out the quarterfinals, India and Pakistan will progress to the semifinals because they are the higher-ranked teams in their respective matches.
India are currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC T20I rankings, while Afghanistan are placed 10th. Pakistan are sixth, with Hong Kong, China at No. 24.
As a result, a washout would see India and Pakistan advance on the basis of their superior rankings.
2023 Final Was Also Washed Out
Rain had caused a similar situation during the 2023 Asian Games cricket final between India and Afghanistan.
The match was washed out without a result, with India eventually awarded the gold medal because of their higher ranking.
With another India-Afghanistan knockout clash now facing a significant rain threat, weather could once again have a major say in the Asian Games cricket competition.