India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup: R Ashwin lauds innovation after Colombo groundstaff use fans as makeshift drier
India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2023: As the rain poured down, halting the play in the Super Fours match, the ground staff at the R Premadasa Stadium resorted to innovative measures to dry the outfield on Sunday, September 10.
India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was among the many who lauded the Sri Lankan ground staff for their hard work after rain played spoilsport during the Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours match between India and Pakistan on Sunday, September 10.
In a first, the ODI between India and Pakistan will be played on the Reserve Day with India set to resume at 147 for 2 from 24.1 overs. No play was possible after heavy rain interrupted play when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were unbeaten in the middle.
Before the rain interruption, India had put up a commendable performance, scoring 147 runs for the loss of two wickets in 24.1 overs. The Indian batting line-up showcased their prowess with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill leading the charge with quick fifties. However, Pakistan's Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf managed to swing the momentum back toward their team by claiming the wickets of these two formidable batsmen in the 17th and 18th overs respectively.
As the rain poured down, halting the play, the ground staff at the R Premadasa Stadium resorted to extreme measures to dry the outfield. In an unusual yet innovative approach, they brought out a makeshift triple-fan setup mounted on a vehicle to aid in drying the field.
Additionally, they used numerous sponges to soak up the excess water from the ground.
Rain stopped play around 4:55 pm IST and the heavy downpour for the next hour led to puddles being formed inside the 30-yard circle. Despite the rain stopping at around 7 pm, the officials were not able to resume the match due to the wet patches.
The groundstaff were working hard to clear the puddles even as the on-field umpires had 3 inspections. Messages were relayed to the two captains constantly and even the players walked out to the middle to check the status of the ground.
However, the umpires were not satisfied by the condition of the ground on Sunday evening as the decision to invoke the Reserve Day was taken at 8:42 pm IST.