Bangladesh to Face Pakistan in Asian Games Semi-Final After Another Washout

Bangladesh have advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Games men's cricket tournament after their group-stage match against Malaysia was abandoned due to rain on Tuesday.

The match was called off around two hours before the scheduled toss, with both teams instructed not to travel to the venue as persistent rain made play impossible. The abandonment marked the fourth rain-affected match of the tournament.

Bangladesh progressed to the semi-finals by virtue of their higher seeding and will now face Pakistan on October 1.

Earlier on Tuesday, another quarter-final fixture between Sri Lanka and Nepal was also abandoned because of rain. Sri Lanka advanced to the semi-finals, where they will take on India.

Despite the series of washouts, there is optimism that the weather will improve in time for the crucial knockout matches. Forecasts for Nisshin indicate better conditions for the semi-finals on October 1 and the medal matches on October 3.

Bangladesh will be looking to build on their record in the Asian Games. At the 2023 edition, they were defeated by India in the semi-final before beating Pakistan in the third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal.

The Bangladesh side also won bronze at the 2014 Asian Games. Their best performance came in 2010, when they claimed the gold medal after defeating Afghanistan in the final.

With a place in the semi-finals now secured, Bangladesh will face Pakistan with a spot in the gold-medal match at stake.