Rain takes Bangladesh into Asian Games semi-finals

NAGOYA, SEPT 29: Bangladesh advanced to the men's cricket semi-finals at the 2026 Asian Games after persistent rain forced the abandonment of their quarter-final against Malaysia without a ball being bowled on Tuesday.

The washout at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin brought an early end to Malaysia's campaign and secured Bangladesh a place in the last four on the basis of their higher seeding. The result followed a similar pattern in the other quarter-finals, with rain preventing any play in all four knockout matches.

The weather has overshadowed the men's cricket competition, with no knockout match producing any action so far. The repeated washouts have left teams progressing on rankings rather than results on the field, denying spectators the chance to watch the quarter-finals.

For Bangladesh, the immediate challenge is to prepare for Pakistan without the benefit of a competitive outing in the knockout stage. The team had entered the quarter-final hoping to keep its medal campaign on track, but the conditions left little opportunity for cricket.

Bangladesh will also be without batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has been ruled out of the tournament after developing a fever and an infection. His absence leaves the side with another issue to address ahead of the semi-final.

Organisers remain hopeful that improved weather will allow the remaining matches to go ahead as scheduled. Both semi-finals are set for Thursday, while the bronze-medal match and final are scheduled for October 3.

With the quarter-finals washed out, Bangladesh's pursuit of an Asian Games medal will now hinge on Thursday's clash with Pakistan.