Rain sends both India and Pakistan into Asian Games cricket semifinals
India and Pakistan both advanced to separate Asian Games cricket semifinals after their quarterfinals were washed out by rain.
The Indian men's cricket team has secured a semifinal spot at the Asian Games, but not by winning its quarterfinal. The team, captained by Shreyas Iyer, advanced on the basis of rules after its match was called off.
India's quarterfinal against Afghanistan was scheduled for Monday. The toss was due at 9:30 am, but the match was officially cancelled at that very time because of heavy rain and an already wet ground. Pakistan had already secured its semifinal place earlier.
Pakistan also reached the semifinals without playing its match, after its quarterfinal against Hong Kong was called off due to rain. Under the rules, when a match is cancelled, the team ranked higher in the ICC rankings is declared the winner, and it was this rule that sent both India and Pakistan through to the semifinals.
India and Pakistan will not face each other in the semifinals, as the two teams have landed in different semifinal brackets. The two sides could only meet in the gold medal match.
Pakistan's semifinal opponent will be either Bangladesh or Malaysia, to be confirmed on Tuesday. Bangladesh and Malaysia will play their quarterfinal on September 29, and the winner will advance to the semifinal.
India's semifinal opponent will be either Sri Lanka or Nepal, to be decided on Tuesday. Sri Lanka and Nepal will play their quarterfinal on Tuesday, and the winner will face India in the semifinal. If that quarterfinal is cancelled, the semifinal will be played between India and Sri Lanka.
India's semifinal will be held on October 1 at the Kourogi Sports Park Stadium (Nishin). The match will start at 10 am with the toss at 9:30 am. If this match is also cancelled due to rain, the Indian cricket team will secure both a place in the final and a medal.
Pakistan's semifinal will also be held on October 1, against the winner of the Bangladesh-Malaysia match. This match will start at 5:30 am Indian time. The losers of both semifinals will play for the bronze medal on October 3, starting at 5:30 am Indian time. The final for the gold medal will be held on October 3, starting at 10 am Indian time.
This story has published but the live thread has not started. Updates appear here the moment the desk files one.
