Rain threat looms over Bangladesh-Malaysia match

Persistent rain in Nagoya has raised doubts over Bangladesh’s Asian Games quarter-final against Malaysia tomorrow.

The rain forced the cancellation of India and Pakistan’s separate quarter-final matches at Korogi Sports Park today. The venue has no proper system to quickly dry the outfield, making another washout possible.

If the Bangladesh-Malaysia match is abandoned, Bangladesh will advance to the semi-final as the higher-ranked team and face Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s scheduled training session at the Korogi football ground was also disrupted by rain. Instead, Liton Das and his teammates spent time playing football despite the wet conditions.

“We are ready to play, but no one can control the rain. We are prepared for any situation,” Bangladesh captain Liton said.

Asked whether a lack of match practice could hurt them against Pakistan, Liton said the team had prepared for the local conditions before coming to Japan.

Bangladesh have so far won only one medal at the Games, with Jinnat Akter securing bronze. Liton said the team was focused on reaching the semi-final first.

Bangladesh and Malaysia have met only once in international cricket. Bangladesh won that 2023 Asian Games quarter-final by two runs.

-AJM