Sri Lanka and Bangladesh advanced to the men’s cricket semi-finals at the Asian Games after their quarter-final matches were abandoned due to persistent rain in Nagoya, Japan. The developments came as heavy rainfall continued to disrupt the tournament, raising concerns about the readiness of the converted baseball field at Korogi Athletic Park, where the remaining matches are scheduled to take place.

Sri Lanka progressed without playing after their quarter-final against Nepal was washed out, with the tournament rules stipulating that the higher-ranked team moves forward in the event of bad weather. Similarly, Bangladesh advanced after their match against lower-ranked Malaysia was also cancelled due to rain. Both teams are set to face more challenging opponents in the semi-finals, with Sri Lanka drawn against India and Bangladesh facing Pakistan. These matches are scheduled for Thursday.

Pakistan and defending champions India had already secured their places in the semi-finals when their own quarter-finals were washed out earlier this week. The ongoing wet conditions have forced organizers into a race against time to prepare the venue, which had been converted from a baseball field, for the upcoming games.

Jarrad Shearer, who oversees the cricket tournament at the Asian Games, acknowledged the difficulties posed by the weather. “Cricket, like baseball, you can’t play it in the rain,” he said. He added that efforts would be focused on drying out the field areas not protected by covers, utilizing equipment such as soppers, squeegees, large brooms, and sponges. With a forecast of sunny weather and temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius, Shearer expressed cautious optimism that the field could be made match-ready by the afternoon.

The weather setbacks have extended the schedule, posing challenges to players and officials alike. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, India recently secured the gold medal by defeating Sri Lanka, marking a highlight in the cricket tournament despite the disruptions in the men’s matches.

Officials remain hopeful that improving weather conditions will allow the semi-finals and subsequent fixtures to proceed without further delays, but the situation remains fluid as the tournament enters its final stages.