SLW vs INDW Toss Delayed Due to Wet Outfield: The highly anticipated opening match of the Women’s Tri-Nation Series between Sri Lanka Women (SLW) and India Women (INDW) at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, has been delayed due to persistent rain and a wet outfield.
Fans who tuned in early were met with disappointing visuals as the ground was completely covered by 9:47 AM local time, following a spell of heavy rain. Dark, ominous clouds loomed large over the stadium, hinting at a lengthy delay. As per updates from the ground, the covers remained on for an extended period and, understandably, the toss could not take place at the scheduled time.
By 10:30 AM local time, there was a glimmer of hope as the rain stopped, prompting the groundsmen into action. Their immediate task was to clear the standing water off the covers. However, even though the pitch itself was uncovered by 10:50 AM, large patches of water still remained on the covers, and a light drizzle continued to frustrate proceedings.
Importantly, overs have started to be lost since 10:30 AM as per tournament regulations, adding urgency to the efforts to prepare the ground. As of now, players and fans alike are hoping for a break in the weather to allow at least a shortened match.
The Tri-Nation Series features India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa Women, with each team scheduled to face the others twice in a round-robin format before the top two advance to the final. All matches are being played in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital.
India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, entered the tournament as clear favourites, especially given their dominant head-to-head record against Sri Lanka — winning 30 of the 32 previous ODI encounters. Recent form also leans heavily in India’s favour; they recently whitewashed Ireland at home, while Sri Lanka struggled on their tour to New Zealand, losing the series 0-2.
With the Women’s Cricket World Cup approaching later this year, every match in this series holds immense significance for team preparations. It’s a crucial opportunity for players to fine-tune their performances, settle combinations, and build momentum heading into the global event.
For now, all eyes are on the weather in Colombo. Fans are keeping their fingers crossed that the rain gods show some mercy, allowing the tri-series to begin on a positive note.
Stay tuned for further updates!
Key Points:
- Match: Sri Lanka Women vs India Women, 1st ODI of Tri-Nation Series
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Status: Toss delayed due to wet outfield
- Weather: Rain stopped, drizzle persists, overs being lost
- Series Format: Round-robin, top two to play the final
- Recent Form: India whitewashed Ireland; Sri Lanka lost to New Zealand
