Dambulla Stadium in Sri Lanka - (Source: Roshan Abeysinghe/X.com)
In a significant development, the toss for second T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been delayed because of heavy rain at the Dambulla International Stadium. There were forecasts predicting heavy rain and for the unversed, the rain gods have shown no mercy since morning and the city has witnessed heavy downpour.
At present, the ground is entirely covered and the rain is refusing to slow down. Therefore, the start of the much-awaited game has been delayed. Talking about the ongoing tour, the visitors are leading the series 1-0 after handing Sri Lanka an embarrassing six-wicket defeat in the curtain raiser game at the same ground.
Weather update for Dambulla International Stadium
Criteria
Details
Temperature
20°C
Wind
NE 26 km/h
Hours of rain
2 hours
Humidity
90%
Cloud Cover
100%
According to Accuweather, around two hours of rain is predicted over Dambuilla International Stadium. The temperature is ranging around 20°C and wind flowing at 26 km/h. However, the humidity is around 90%, which will defenitely trouble the players, particularly the bowlers.
As mentioned above, it has been raining for a long time now and even if it stops, then forecast predicts drizzles in short intervals, which will result in multiple halts. At present, the groundsman are at work and they have a humungous task ahead of them.
The rain has been persistent and many fear that a few overs might be lost before the game begins.
Interstingly, there was rain even before the start of the first T20I, but it stopped before the match and the entire game was conducted without any halt. Thus, the fans would be hoping for a similar situation this time around.
Rain Delay, a worry for Pakistan
The ongoing series is serving as a practice ground for Pakistan and Sri Lanka ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup in India and the Island Nation. The prestigious T20 event is all set to begin from February 7.
Notably, Pakistan will play all their games in Sri Lanka, which makes the ongoing series extremely important for them. Therefore, the rain delay would Pakistan as it hampers their practice in Sri Lanka.
In case the 2nd T20I gets washed out, Pakistan will have just a solitary game left to prepare in the Island Nation before the World Cup.
Talking about the ongoing series, Pakistan miss a few key players such as Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, who are not part of this tour because of BBL commitments.
Dambulla Stadium in Sri Lanka - (Source: Roshan Abeysinghe/X.com)
