Check Bengaluru weather prediction for New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match

Rain threat looms over New Zealand vs Sri Lanka World Cup 2023 match in Bengaluru as cricket fans and players alike are anxiously keeping an eye on the weather forecast. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is the stage for this highly anticipated encounter, but the threat of rain and thunderstorms is causing concern for both teams.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Bengaluru rain and weather update

New Zealand’s cricket team is no stranger to weather-related disruptions in Bengaluru. In their previous ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan, they suffered a loss via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, despite posting a massive 400-plus total. As they prepare to face Sri Lanka, the looming rain clouds in the Karnataka capital have raised the possibility of yet another match getting washed out.

The meteorological forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening in Bengaluru is far from promising for cricket enthusiasts. The weather predictions indicate a 90 percent chance of rain around noon, precisely when captains Kane Williamson and Kusal Mendis are scheduled to head out for the toss at approximately 1:30 pm IST.

The weather conditions are expected to be challenging, with a maximum temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius. Rain showers and a thunderstorm are predicted for the afternoon, with a humidity level of approximately 76 percent and cloud cover at 87 percent. Around 6.9mm of rain is anticipated during Thursday afternoon.

In the evening, the chances of rain persist, with a 90 percent probability and 4.1mm of rain predicted for the latter part of the match. Humidity levels will rise to 93 percent, and cloud cover is expected to be around 82 percent.

The weather factor has added an element of uncertainty to the match, which is crucial for New Zealand as they seek to secure a spot in the semi-finals. New Zealand currently holds 8 points from 7 matches and is placed fourth on the Points Table. A washed-out match, resulting in 1 point for each team, could potentially open the door for Pakistan and Afghanistan to surpass the Black Caps on the Points Table.

Despite the weather concerns, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson remains focused on the cricketing aspects. He mentioned in the pre-match press conference, “There’s lots of things that we can’t control, and the weather is one of those. Our focus will be on the cricket that we want to play, trying to put all our energy into that, which gives us the best chance of putting out a good performance.”

The pitch conditions will also be a factor to consider, given the recent heavy rainfall in Bengaluru. The team winning the toss may opt to chase, taking into account the unpredictable weather.

As cricket fans eagerly await this exciting clash, they hope that the weather gods are kind, allowing the players to showcase their skills and determination in a contest that could have significant implications for the semi-final race.