Asia Cup 2023: ‘What a downer’ – Reactions as India vs Pakistan called off due to rain

Rain forced a no result in the blockbuster Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan after just one innings of play on Saturday.

Pakistan bowled out India for 266 in 48.5 overs with pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi returning figures of 4-35, but no further play was possible due to persistent rain in Pallekele.

The points on Saturday were shared but Babar Azam’s Pakistan have made the Super Four stage of the tournament as they had won their opening match of the 50-over tournament.

Rain stopped for a short time and ground staff took off the covers as umpires discussed a reduced target for Pakistan but another spell of showers brought the curtain down on the match.

India elected to bat in their opening match of the tournament but slipped to 66-4 after a devastating opening spell by left-arm quick Afridi. Ishan Kishan (82) and Hardik Pandya (87) hit back in a stand of 138 to hand their team a fighting total but rain had the final say after interrupting play for the third time.

Afridi rattled the opposition top order, taking the key wickets of skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli – both the batters bowled. He got able support from fellow quicks Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, both...

Read more