Vishakhapatnam: Though the cyclonic storm Helen crossed the South of Machilipatnam on Friday noon, met officials have predicted heavy rains in several coastal areas including Vizag in the next 24 hours and cloudy weather with two spells of showers likely on Sunday.
As cricket-loving Vizag gears up for international cricket action after a gap of about one year, heavy rains due to Cyclone Helen have cast doubts over Sunday's second One-Day International between India and West Indies to be played at Dr Y.S.
Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA stadium under flood lights here on November 24.
Though the cyclonic storm Helen crossed the South of Machilipatnam on Friday noon, met officials have predicted heavy rains in several coastal areas including Vizag in the next 24 hours and cloudy weather with two spells of showers likely on Sunday .
India and West Indies teams arrived in the city on Friday from Kochi and both the teams were greeted by heavy rains, that started lashing Vizag city last night and continued without letting off.
Cricket buffs in Vizag and surrounding areas are praying for clear skies on Sunday to watch the potential run feast match in India’s luckiest stadium, the hosts having won all the four ODIs. India already lead the series 1-0.
The ACA-VDCA stadium has facilities to drain out water, but it will be difficult to conduct the match if it continues to rain on Sunday. “There would be no
problem if rain stops just four to five hours before the match as we can clear those rain water from the stadium in around three hours with our ‘super sapper’ and advanced drainage system.
One more ‘super sapper’ is likely to reach Vizag from Kadapa by Saturday and with the four super sappers we can dry the stadium and easily conduct the match” says General Secretary of Andhra Cricket Association, Gokaraju Gangaraju.
The practice session of both the teams is likely to be held on Saturday evening only.
It may be recalled that the first game of the two-match T-20 series between India and New Zealand scheduled to be held in Vizag on September 8, 2012, was called off without a ball being bowled following heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorm, hours before match.
