Two standout batters. Three pacers spewing venom. And three rain interruptions. All of it culminated in one big disappointment for the scores of fans who flocked the Pallekele International Stadium for the high-voltage Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan.
Thanks to a persistent drizzle that started towards the end of India’s batting essay, the match officials formally called the game off at 9.52 p.m., 35 minutes before the cut-off for a 20-over chase. By then, the entire outfield had been covered with tarpaulin sheets.
The groundstaff, despite working tirelessly throughout the day, wore a dejected look. So did 20,000-odd fans who stayed back hoping for a thrilling finish. But they had to make do with a topsy-turvy first half that eventually turned futile.
