India reached the Asian Games men’s cricket semi-finals without playing a ball. Their quarter-final against Afghanistan was washed out by rain in Nisshin on Monday.

Persistent rain left the outfield waterlogged. The match was abandoned 16 minutes before the scheduled toss.

India advanced on the higher-seeding rule. As the world’s No. 1 T20 side, India outranked Afghanistan, who are placed 10th.

All four quarter-finals were washed out on Monday. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also reached the semi-finals through seeding.

India will face Sri Lanka in the second semi-final on October 1. The defending champions are aiming for back-to-back Asian Games gold medals. Team officials said the squad is preparing hard despite the unexpected break from play. Fans are hoping the weather clears so India can finally take the field on October 1. The tournament final is scheduled for October 3 at the same venue in Nisshin, Japan. The Indian women’s team has already won gold, beating Sri Lanka in their final.