Nisshin, Sep 29 (V7N)- Bangladesh advanced to the semi-finals of the men's cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games after their quarter-final against Malaysia was abandoned due to persistent rain in Japan.
The match was scheduled to begin at 10:30 am local time at the Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. However, continued rain left the playing surface unfit for cricket, and officials called off the match without a ball being bowled.
Bangladesh progressed to the last four by virtue of their higher ICC T20I ranking under the tournament's playing conditions. Malaysia were eliminated without getting an opportunity to take the field.
Rain had already disrupted the venue's schedule before the Bangladesh-Malaysia fixture. Persistent showers in Nisshin prevented the teams from completing their preparations and ultimately made the outfield unplayable.
Bangladesh will face Pakistan in the semi-final on October 1 at the same venue. Pakistan had also advanced from their quarter-final against Hong Kong after that match was abandoned because of rain.
The other quarter-final between Sri Lanka and Nepal was also washed out on Tuesday. Sri Lanka advanced to the semi-finals based on their higher ICC T20I ranking.
Sri Lanka will face defending champions India in the other semi-final on October 1. India had reached the last four after their quarter-final against Afghanistan was similarly abandoned due to rain on Monday.
All four men's cricket quarter-finals at the Asian Games were therefore abandoned because of persistent rain, leaving Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka as the four semi-finalists.
END/SMA/AJ
