What if the IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 Final is Rained Out?

What Will Happen If IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 Final is Washed Out?

Introduction

India and Sri Lanka are set to face each other in the final of the Asia Cup tournament at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. However, there are concerns about the possibility of rain interruptions during the match, as matches in the Asia Cup have been consistently interrupted in the past. If the final is washed out, there are certain procedures in place to determine the outcome of the match.

Reserve Day

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has kept a reserve day for the Asia Cup Final. If rain interrupts the match on Sunday and the game is unfortunately washed out, then the final will resume on Monday, September 18. Therefore, there is a provision for an alternate day to ensure that the final is completed.

Possible Outcomes

If rain curtails the match, there are various scenarios that can unfold:

– If the match is curtailed by rain, an x-overs-per-side match will be played between India and Sri Lanka. This will provide an opportunity for a proper contest that will determine a clear winner.
– If the x-overs-per-side match is again interrupted by rain, overs will be reduced until a 20-overs per-side game is possible. This means that a shorter contest will take place, but there will still be a clear winner.
– If the x-overs-per-side match is interrupted after the first innings, overs will be lost and a DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) target will be set for the chasing team. This will result in a minimum 20-over contest, with a clear winner.
– If it is not possible to have even a 20-over contest on Sunday, the match will be moved to the reserve day (Monday). The game will continue from the point where it had stopped.
– If rain threatens the entire reserve day’s play, the match will eventually be called off and both India and Sri Lanka will share the Asia Cup 2023 trophy.

Cut-Off Time for a 20-Over Contest

The cut-off time for a 20-overs contest between India and Sri Lanka will be around 9:02 pm IST. This means that if there is continuous rain or delays that push the match beyond this time, it will not be possible to have a 20-over contest.

Historical Context

In the past, there have been instances where a major cricketing event had to be shared due to rain. The ICC Champions Trophy 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka, held at the same R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, was washed out twice on September 29 and 30 due to rain. Therefore, it is not unprecedented for teams to share a trophy in such circumstances.

Editorial and Advice

The possibility of rain interruptions in cricket matches is always a cause for concern. While it is unfortunate, it is important to have a clear protocol in place to determine the outcome of a game in case of a washout. The reserve day for the Asia Cup final ensures that there is an opportunity to complete the match.

However, the reliance on overs-per-side matches and reduced overs can have an impact on the quality and fairness of the game. It is crucial for cricket administrators to consider alternative options, such as indoor venues or covered stadiums, to minimize the effect of rain on important matches.

In the future, tournaments like the Asia Cup should aim to schedule matches during seasons with less rainfall or in regions with a lower chance of rain. Additionally, the use of technology, such as pitch covers and improved drainage systems, can help minimize the effects of rain on the game.

Despite the challenges posed by rain, fans hope for a clear and uninterrupted match between India and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final. The performance of both teams should be a testament to their skills and abilities, rather than being overshadowed by weather conditions.

In conclusion, if the IND vs SL Asia Cup 2023 Final is washed out, there are established procedures in place to determine the outcome of the match. While rain interruptions are unfortunate, cricket administrators should continue to explore ways to minimize their impact and ensure fair play in important tournaments.