The first ODI between India and Afghanistan in Dharamshala has been seriously affected by rain and there is a real possibility of the game not having a result. Showers have plagued the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala which has led to an inevitable delay.

 

The rain had started overnight and had persisted for a considerable amount of time past the scheduled start and this meant there was very little scope for a full 50 over game and overs began to be deducted from 2.30 PM IST onwards.

 

Despite the delay there is some hope of the game taking place due to the advanced drainage system present at the venue.

 

Dharamshala's Drainage System Offers Hope

 

The fact that this is the first bilateral ODI series between India and Afghanistan does not sit well with this aspect as one would expect facilities to be state-of-the-art. But to the credit of the HPCA stadium the drainage system here is first-class and works at a tremendous pace, much like M. Chinnaswamy stadium, to draw the excess water from the ground and outfield in order to get the ground ready to play after the rain has stopped. Therefore long rain interruptions do not always automatically mean a game has to be abandoned.

 

Also Read | Team India Issues Major Statement On Kohli's Replacement Against Afghanistan

 

What Is The Cut-Off Time For A 20-Over Match?

 

According to the rules of an ODI match result must take place over at least 20 overs per side and in Dharamshala this has to be started no later than 6:32 PM IST to obtain a result otherwise the game will have to be called off.

 

Should the match not be completed, the 3 match series will be 0-0 going into the second game.

 

Historic Series Faces Weather Challenge

 

This is a historic occasion as it is India's first bilateral series against Afghanistan in ODI cricket, prior to this the teams have only met during ICC tournaments and the Asia Cup in 50 over matches. Both sides also played in a 3 match T20I series in 2024 and have played two Test matches between 2018 and 2026 respectively.

 

Should the first game be washed out India and Afghanistan will quickly move on to the second ODI in Lucknow on June 17 followed by the final ODI in Chennai on June 20. For now the eyes of both teams, and indeed fans across both nations, remain on the weather and hopefully there will be enough time for at least a short game at 6:32 PM IST.