Race against time as Asian Games cricket quarter-finals washed out / Photo: DAVID GRAY - AFP
Race against time as Asian Games cricket quarter-finals washed out
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh reached the semi-finals of the men's Asian Games cricket on Tuesday without a ball being bowled following more wet weather in Nagoya.
The Sri Lankans will meet India in the last four and Bangladesh play Pakistan, with both matches scheduled for Thursday.
Organisers are now racing to get the converted baseball field at Korogi Athletic Park ready in time.
Sri Lanka progressed when their quarter-final with Nepal was washed out -- higher-ranked teams go through in the event of bad weather.
Bangladesh were awarded victory over lower-ranked Malaysia for the same reason.
Pakistan and reigning champions India sealed their semi-final spots after rain also washed out both matches on Monday.
"Cricket, like baseball, you can't play it in the rain," said Jarrad Shearer, who is in charge of the cricket tournament.
There has been heavy rain in Games host Nagoya and Aichi prefecture in recent days, but better weather is forecast from Wednesday.
"Come tomorrow morning it will be all hands on deck to dry up the areas that aren't under the covers," said Shearer.
"We've got some soppers, we've got some squeegees, some big old brooms, we've got sponges.
"Plus it's supposed to be sunny and 32C, so with any luck we'll soak up as much water as we can in the morning and the sun will do its work in the afternoon."
India beat Sri Lanka to win women's gold.
Y.Niessen--JdB
