India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup: Melbourne Weather Update, Chance of Rain in IND vs PAK Match

The Rohit Sharma-led Indian men’s cricket team is set to kick off their men’s T20 World Cup campaign, with a clash against their traditional rivals, Pakistan. The game will be played on Sunday, October 23 at 1:30 PM (IST). The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia will host this Sunday blockbuster between the neighbors.

Earlier, the Indian men played two practice games against Western Australia XI and managed to win one of those. The side also outplayed the hosts – Australia, in their first warm-up game by six runs, on October 17. However, the other warm-up game with New Zealand was washed out due to rain.

Pakistan, on the other hand, played two warm-up games; one against England and the other against Afghanistan. England defeated Babar Azam and his men in Brisbane on October 17, by six wickets. Although, the Afghanistan game was interrupted by rain as Pakistan couldn’t bat, given the target of 155 runs.

India vs Pakistan Weather Update

The scheduled Melbourne derby between India and Pakistan is under the threat of rain. Usually, the weather in Melbourne varies between 9 to 19° celcius, during the months of October-November, with a decent amount of breeze. One shouldn’t be surprised to witness variable spells of rain.

On matchday though, the weather is predicted to hover around 13° Celcius at night (according to the Australia time zone). The winds will flow at a speed of 15 to 30 km/h with 81% humidity in the atmosphere.

More importantly, there is a 90% chance of rain around the venue. Around 6mm of rainfall is predicted nearby.

There’s no rain currently, but the atmosphere is cloudy, ahead of the game.

What If Rain Interrupts the Game?

According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rules, to constitute a T20 game, both sides need to play at least five overs. The standard Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method will be executed in case the rain invades.

Also, the group-stage games don’t any a reserved day. The knock-out games only have reserved days scheduled, if the rain interruption occurs.

IND vs PAK Rivalry

Besides, the last Indian men met Pakistan, was during the men’s Asia Cup 2022. The Azam-led men defeated India by five wickets, in a ‘Super 4’ stage game. Although, India had beaten Pakistan in the same tournament, in a group-stage game.

However, in the last T20 World Cup in UAE, the Pakistani duo of Azam and Mohammad Rizwan guided their side to a historic victory versus ‘Men in Blue,’ by 10 wickets. Pakistan reached the semi-finals then, before losing to Australia.

India, meanwhile, had a disappointing run as the side couldn’t qualify for the semis, amid their defeats against Pakistan and New Zealand.

This time, the Sharma-led men would be looking to replicate what they have done during their last two Border-Gavaskar Trophies. Pakistan though, are yet to win any T20I game on Australian land.

Further, India are placed in Group 2, along with Bangladesh, Netherlands, Pakistan, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. After the Pakistan match, India will play the Netherlands on Thursday (October 27) at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

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