Pakistan will face Bangladesh in the men’s cricket semi-final at the Asian Games 2026 after rain abandoned Bangladesh’s quarter-final against Malaysia in Nisshin, Japan, on Tuesday.
The match ended without a ball being bowled as persistent rain disrupted the knockout stage. Earlier, Sri Lanka also advanced after rain forced the abandonment of its quarter-final against Nepal.
Pakistan will meet Bangladesh on October 1, while India will face Sri Lanka in the other semi-final on the same day.
Rain Disrupts Asian Games Cricket
Jarrad Shearer, the Games’ sports director, expressed disappointment after organisers spent a year converting a baseball diamond into a cricket venue. However, rain prevented teams from making full use of the facility.
“Cricket, like baseball, you can’t play it in the rain,” Shearer said, while discussing the disruption. He added that organisers would work to prepare the venue if conditions improve.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will enter the semi-final without Najmul Hossain Shanto. The batter has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering from a fever and infection.
Pakistan Advance After Quarter-Final Washout
Pakistan had reached the semi-finals a day earlier after rain abandoned their quarter-final against Hong Kong without a ball being bowled. Tournament rules sent the higher-seeded Pakistan side through to the next stage.
India also advanced after rain prevented its quarter-final against Afghanistan from taking place. The weather left organisers facing repeated challenges during the knockout stage.
However, forecasts reportedly show more favourable conditions in Nisshin for the semi-finals on October 1 and medal matches on October 3. Organisers remain hopeful that the remaining fixtures will proceed as scheduled.
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