Heavy rainfall in Dubai is wreaking havoc on the U19 Asia Cup semi-finals, potentially leading to Pakistan’s exit from the tournament even before a ball is bowled in their crucial match.
The ongoing downpours have made the pitches unplayable, forcing delays in both the India vs. Sri Lanka and Pakistan vs. Bangladesh semi-final fixtures. The situation is dire, and the possibility of matches being cancelled altogether is high, with implications for qualification.
Here’s how a rain-abandoned match could unfold: If the semi-final between India and Sri Lanka is ultimately called off, India will automatically progress to the final. This is because the Indian U19 team finished first in their group during the league stage, giving them an advantage over second-placed Sri Lanka.
In a parallel scenario, if the Pakistan vs. Bangladesh semi-final is also abandoned, Bangladesh will advance to the final. This is due to Bangladesh securing the top position in their group, while Pakistan finished second. This outcome would be a significant blow to Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup campaign.
The Pakistani contingent will be desperately hoping for the rain to cease. A washout in their semi-final would effectively end their tournament journey. Sri Lanka faces a similar predicament. The Indian team, meanwhile, has enjoyed a stellar group stage, remaining undefeated against the UAE, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Their strong performance puts them in a favorable position, regardless of whether they play their semi-final or advance through the abandonment clause.