The ongoing Asia Cup 2023 clash between India and Nepal, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, in Kandy, has been badly affected by rain. The Rain Gods have interrupted the game on many occasions thus far. Despite that, the Rohit Paudel-led side have managed to put up a decent total of 230 runs on the board in the first innings. For Nepal, Aarif Sheikh (58 off 97 balls) and Sompal Kami (48 off 56 balls) have been the star performers.
For India, on the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja has been the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/40 in his given quota of 10 overs. Mohammed Siraj also picked three wickets, while Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, and Shardul Thakur took a wicket each. Kuldeep Yadav, though, went wicketless. At the end, India managed to put curtains to Nepal’s innings in the 49th over itself.
Speaking of the second innings, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have started well, as they have scored 17 runs in 2.1 overs. However, just as the players were looking to settle down, the umpires called the groundsmen and decided to halt the innings due to rain. Meanwhile, many have raised questions if akin to India vs Pakistan game, this game will also be rain-affected.
Rain stops play in Pallekele with India 17-0 in 2.1 overs.
If overs are reduced, India’s DLS target will be:
220 if 45 overs
207 if 40 overs
192 if 35 overs
174 if 30 overs
130 if 20 overs
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) September 4, 2023
However, with the second innings having already commenced, the revised targets as per the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method have been disclosed by the match officials. As per the DLS method, Rohit Sharma & Co. will have to score 220 runs in 45 overs; 207 runs in 40 overs; 174 runs in 30 overs, and 130 runs in 20 overs, respectively, in case the overs are reduced likewise in the ongoing Asia Cup clash.
India are ahead of Nepal as per DLS method while chasing in Asia Cup 2023 clash
Currently, if the game doesn’t resume at all, India are ahead of the par score, as Rohit Sharma is batting on 4, while Shubman Gill is unbeaten on 12 runs. The weather predictions so far haven’t been satisfying, as Kandy is forecasted to have rain all day long.
If the game resumes, Indian batters will look to score at a quick rate to stay ahead of the par score. Nepal, on the other hand, will look to try and restrict India in conditions that are suitable for bowling, especially for seamers.