Asia Cup 2023: Sri Lanka meteorological department says better weather expected in forthcoming days

Colombo: A senior Sri Lanka Meteorological Department official has given the Asia Cup organisers, battling rain woes, some hope that the business end of the tournament could witness better playing conditions. Athula Karunanayake, the Sri Lanka Meteorological Department director-general, told PTI TV on Wednesday that as per the prediction, the weather will be more conducive for cricket after 9 September. India will take on Pakistan in the Super Four match on 10 September at Colombo , while Rohit Sharma’s side will clash with Sri Lanka at the same venue on 12 September and then against Bangladesh on 15 September. The final is slated for 17 September. ‘‘During this time of the year, which is the end of the southwest monsoon period, the southwestern part of Sri Lanka receives more rainfall. In the last two weeks, we witnessed more rain in the western province. The western province could receive a bit of rain, but after September 9, it would be sunny and cloudy but with very little rain. ‘‘In the coming week, the western province could get a few showers but by September 17, the day the Asia Cup final will be played, rains are expected to subside,’’ said Karunanayake. The Asia Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at Pallekele on 2 September was abandoned with Pakistan, after dismissing Rohit Sharma’s team for 266 , unable to bat due to incessant rain.