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India vs Afghanistan toss delayed - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, the toss for the 1st ODI between India and Afghanistan has been delayed due to rain in Dharamshala. Notably, the match was under threat due to bad weather, but now the coin flip has been officially delayed due to wet outfield.
The BCCI took to Twitter to confirm that the India vs Afghanistan toss, which was supposed to take place at 1:00 pm IST, has been delayed. Covers are on and at the time of writing, there is slight drizzle.
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For the unversed, the players were on the ground and practising under a nice sunny weather. However, the conditions took a sharp turn and a downpour 15 minutes before the toss, forced the coin flip to be delayed.
Dharamshala Stadium Weather Update
Rain threat loomed over the 1st ODI even 48 hours before the match. It rained entire night on the eve of the series opener and also in the early hours of 13th morning. Talking about the weather in the coming hours, then it only gets worse.
In the coming hours, around 3 hours of rain is predicted. Further, there is a 58% chance of thunderstorm. Hence, the play is unlikely to start anytime soon. The fans could be in for a long wait before the first ball gets bowled.
It could be a rain-reduced game and overs will be lost. There are signs of the match getting abandoned, but it all depends on the groundsmen and also the drainage system of Dharamsala Stadium.
Hourly Weather Update At Dharamsala Stadium
| Time | Rain Prediction |
| 1 pm | 49% |
| 2 pm | 75% |
| 3 pm | 71% |
| 4 pm | 40% |
| 5 pm | 34% |
| 6 pm | 29% |
| 7 pm | 20% |
| 8 pm | 20% |
If we look at the table above, then the rain will intensify around 2 pm and 3 pm. Hence, making the start of play on time more difficult. During evening, the rain will lighten up, but it seems that it will be very late by then and the overs would be reduced significantly.
Dharmashala Stadium Drainage System
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala features a state-of-the-art sub-surface aeration and vacuum drainage system. Installed to handle the heavy rainfall typical of the region, the outfield is designed to drain water and dry completely within just 15 to 30 minutes of a heavy downpour.
However, surprisingly, several reports on social media claimed that the groundsmen are working with brooms to get rid of the water. Nonetheless, the team is working hard to get the ground ready in time, but it is the rain that has to subside, which then require around 30 minute to 40 minute of work to get the ground ready for a match.
At the time of writing this article, the rain is still heavy and India, Afghanistan players are under shelter, waiting for the downpour to stop, so that they can step out for their warm-up.
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