Asia Cup 2023 final likely to be shifted from Colombo to Kandy

The match is likely to be contested at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy since the weather forecast in Colombo does not look promising.

Asia Cup 2023 final likely to be shifted from Colombo to Kandy

The highly anticipated 2023 Asia Cup final is rumored to be relocated from the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo due to inclement weather in the city. According to multiple media reports, the match will likely be played at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy on September 17 because the weather forecast for the capital city does not appear promising.

On September 2, Pallekele hosted three group-stage matches, including the high-stakes match between India and Pakistan. Notably, India scored 266 runs in the first innings before the game was called a washout. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh completed the first game hosted by Pallekele without interruption. 

In addition to India's game against its bitter rivals, India's game against Nepal was also affected by rain. The Men in Blue, however, triumphed by ten wickets using the DLS method. The Super Four stage match between India and Pakistan was also shifted to the reserve day due to rain. 

India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in the Super Four stage

Speaking about India's first Super Four stage clash, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl. Due to the century-plus partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India reached 147 for two in 24.1 overs prior to the onset of rain.

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli resumed play on the reserve day, each striking a century to assist India in posting a mammoth 356/2 in 50 overs. Rahul, who returned after a six-month absence due to an injury, completed the innings with an unbeaten 111 off 106 balls, while the former India captain blasted an unbeaten 122 off 94 balls.

Later, Kuldeep Yadav concluded with outstanding figures of 5/25 as India dismissed Babar Azam and Company by 128 runs in 32 overs. Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Shardul Thakur each took one wicket in addition to Kuldeep. Fakhar Aman was Pakistan's topper, scoring 27 runs off of 50 deliveries.