India vs Nepal rain updates live: Weather stays clear as Rohit Sharma & Co. qualify for Super 4 with 10-wicket win
Team India won the toss and chose to bowl first in their second Asia Cup 2023 game against Nepal at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday. It is a must-win game for both teams as the winner will join Pakistan in the Super 4 stage from Group A.
The Men in Blue had to make one forced change to their playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah flew back to the country to be with his wife, who gave birth to a baby boy on Monday morning. Senior fast bowler Mohammed Shami replaced him in the side.
Nepal also made one change to their side that played against Pakistan. Bhim Sharki came in place of Aarif Sheikh.
Meanwhile, soon after the toss, the heavens opened up while Nepak skipper Rohit Paudel was speaking and the groundstaff had to be called in. But much to the respite of fans, it was a passing shower and the match started at the scheduled time.
After an opening partnership worth 65 runs, Ravindra Jadeja pulled things back by scalping three wickets. Opener Aasif Sheikh (47* off 84) continues to plough a lonely furrow to take Nepal to 109 for four after 25 overs.
However, there was a slight drizzle after the 30th over. The match officials asked the ground staff to bring on the covers but they were sent back even before they reached the 22 yards. It is probably the shortest rain break ever!
At the time of the break, Nepal were 134/5.
Rain once again made an appearance after 37.5 overs and the players rushed to the dressing room. This time around, the raindrops were heavy and the covers were called in by the officials.
The rain finally stopped at around 6:13 pm IST. Nepal were 178 for six after 37.5 overs. And after an inspection at 6:30 pm, it was confirmed that play will start at 6:45 pm IST.
There were no further hiccups as Sompal Kami (48 off 56) led Nepal's rearguard action to power them to 230 all out.
The rain gods came back just 13 balls into India's chase. What seemed like a drizzle got heavier, thus forcing the players back up into the dressing room. The groundsmen are busy getting the whole arena covered.
The 10 pm inspection announced the start of play at 10:15 pm IST, almost two hours since the last ball was bowled.
There were no further interruptions as India chased down the DLS target with 10 wickets in hand. Chasing 145 to win from 23 overs, Rohit Sharma (74* off 59) and Shubman Gill (67* off 62) finished the job with 17 balls remaining.
What the weather report for India vs Nepal Asia Cup match in Pallekele says
According to Accuweather, there is a chance of thunderstorms during the first half of the contest in Pallekele.
It would be cloudy throughout the day with over 50 percent chance of precipitation during the game. Thus, a 100-over game is almost impossible as it was during Rohit Sharma and company's clash against Pakistan on Saturday.
The temperature will hover around 22-27 degrees Celsius. The humidity is also expected to be high, making it difficult for the players.