Rain has always been a spoil sport for big-time cricket in the hill capital. Up in Kandy it is a joke that 'for it to rain in Kandy, an important cricket match must be organised. This has been true for the past many years. Shortest
Asgiriya is also credited with the shortest version of test cricket when only 30 minutes was possible in the First Test against the Indians in 1993. Then followed the Pakistanis in August 1994 and rain curtailed play on the first day but it was sufficient for the visitors to dismiss Sri Lanka for just 72 with demon bowler Waqar Yoonus doing the damage, which earned him the nick name from the local spectators 'Waqar Yakka'. But the Pakistanis finished off the match shortly after tea on the third day. Rain fell the same night and the following days but it was too late to disrupt the match. Wet and soggy
On Sunday afternoon there was puddles of water over the covers and the bowlers run up and the outfield was wet and soggy. The groundstaff at the Asgiriya Stadium was busy taking away the water. But it will take two days of bright sunshine to dry the outfield.
Ground authorities said that the Cricket Board on Saturday night sent additional covers to cover the bowlers run up. On Sunday there was only a little sweating on the wicket and it should be ready but it is the outfield which could create problems.