Nagoya, Japan: Persistent rain has dramatically disrupted the men’s cricket competition at the 2026 Asian Games, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh reaching the semi-finals after their quarter-final matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Sri Lanka were scheduled to play Nepal, while Bangladesh were due to meet Malaysia at Korogi Sports Park in Nisshin. Continuous rain and a waterlogged playing surface made it impossible for either match to begin. Under the tournament’s playing regulations, the higher-ranked teams progressed when no play was possible.

Sri Lanka Advance Without Taking the Field

Sri Lanka’s quarter-final against Nepal was called off without even a toss.

Sri Lanka entered the knockout stage with a higher ICC T20I ranking than Nepal. With no cricket possible, the ranking rule determined which team would advance to the last four. Nepal therefore exited the competition without having an opportunity to compete in the quarter-final.

The result sets up a semi-final between Sri Lanka and defending champions India.

Bangladesh Also Benefit From Washout

Bangladesh faced a similar situation against Malaysia.

Heavy rain prevented the match from getting underway, and Bangladesh progressed because of their superior T20I ranking. The result means Malaysia’s Asian Games campaign ended without a quarter-final being played.

Bangladesh will now meet Pakistan in the other semi-final.

All Four Quarter-Finals Affected by Rain

The unusual situation means that none of the four men’s cricket quarter-finals produced a ball of play.

Pakistan had already advanced after their match against Hong Kong was abandoned on September 28. India also moved into the semi-finals after their quarter-final against Afghanistan was washed out on the same day.

The complete semi-final line-up is therefore:

• India vs Sri Lanka
• Pakistan vs Bangladesh

Both semi-finals are scheduled for October 1 at Korogi Sports Park.

Weather Becomes Major Challenge

Rain has repeatedly affected the Asian Games programme in and around Nagoya.

The cricket venue was originally converted from a baseball facility for the competition, but persistent wet weather has severely limited the amount of cricket that can be played.

Tournament officials have been working to remove standing water and prepare the playing area, with drying equipment and favourable weather conditions expected to be important for the upcoming semi-finals.

India Await Sri Lanka

India, the defending Asian Games champions, have also reached the semi-finals without playing their quarter-final because of the weather.

The Indian team will now face Sri Lanka in the next stage, giving both sides an opportunity to finally take the field after the rain disrupted the knockout schedule.

Pakistan Face Bangladesh

The second semi-final will feature Pakistan against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will enter the match without batter Najmul Hossain Shanto, who has been ruled out of the tournament because of illness.

Cricket Fans Still Waiting for Action

The rain-affected knockout stage has produced an unusual tournament scenario in which the four quarter-final winners were determined without competitive play.

The focus now shifts to the semi-finals, with organisers hoping that improved weather and ground conditions will allow the remaining matches to proceed as scheduled.