Sports Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - London
Manchester, Jun 16: The intensity of hype created by the media from both India and Pakistan is likely to slow down due to the signs of bad weather as the time nears for the match at Manchester, England on Sunday, Jun 16.
The abusive and distasteful video advertisements circulated by Pakistanis, and countered well later by Indians relating to the World Cup cricket match were widely watched not only by people from sub-continent but also from all over the world, cricket lovers or not.
But the present situation of weather is not so good for diehard cricket fans, who expect nothing less than a complete 50-over match. The weatherman says there are only chances of 50% raining this afternoon in Manchester. However, match is expected to begin on time. However, the match is likely to be interrupted by the rain later during later part of the game, mostly in the second innings.
Rainy weather was the huge disappointment for the cricket fans in India and world-wide. India Vs New Zealand match was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Jun 13 which was a setback for India's roaring progress. There were total four matches totally abandoned in this World Cup so far. A joke was circulating in the WhatsApp which said 'Rain' topping the points table with 8 points!
The poor ground-drying facility and absence of additional day to compensate for the wash-out match is one of the biggest disappointments of this World Cup and host Wales and England has attracted severe criticism from cricket fans for this.
Thought Manchester has witnessed heavy rain since yesterday, on Sunday, the day of epic India Vs Pakistan clash, the area is expected to witness light showers from early morning. The sun is expected to come out after that and stay till about 2 pm in the afternoon. Rain is, however, likely to interrupt the match later, says the latest Met report.
Looking at the weather news, experts predict that the chances of a full 50-over match taking place between India and Pakistan are very thin.
The significant match between India and Pakistan is scheduled to begin at 10.30 am on June 16 at the Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester.
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