Asia Cup 2023: Rain delays Pak vs SL match toss

In what is virtually the semi-final of the Asia Cup 2023 on Thursday, the toss for the match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was delayed after rain started just minutes before the toss was due. The crucial match is the fourth Pakistan clash in the tournament that is threatened by rains. Previously, all games the Green Shirts have played in the Island nation were affected by heavy showers. Both sides are coming off dispiriting losses to India in their own way. Sri Lanka could have all but booked a ticket to the final had they chased down what appeared a very gettable target of 214 against India on Tuesday, but Dunith Wellalage's heroics with bat and ball fell just short. Pakistan's defeat at their biggest rivals' hands was more comprehensive; they lost by a record 228 runs over two horror days that also saw them lose two of their three premier fast bowlers.

The toss for the important Asia Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was delayed today due to rain. This match is like a semi-final and very crucial for both teams. Rain has been a problem for Pakistan throughout the tournament, affecting all their games in Sri Lanka.

Both teams are coming off tough losses to India. Sri Lanka had a chance to win their last match against India but fell short in chasing the target. Pakistan, on the other hand, suffered a big defeat against India.

Pakistan has faced some setbacks, losing key players like Naseem Shah, and it's uncertain if Haris Rauf will play again. Today's match is like a virtual semi-final, and a strong performance could put either team in the final. If the match is rained out, Sri Lanka will make it to the final because they have a better run rate than Pakistan.

Here are the possible lineups for both teams:

Pakistan: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wkt), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan (vice-capt), Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Zaman Khan

Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dasun Shanka (capt), 8 Dunith Wellalage, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Kasun Rajitha, 11 Matheesha Pathirana.