Bangladesh have advanced to the semi-finals of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition after their quarter-final against Malaysia was abandoned due to rain on Tuesday.

The match was scheduled to begin at 10:30am at Korogi Sports Park in Nishin, Japan, but persistent rain prevented any play.

Under the tournament rules, Bangladesh progressed to the semi-finals because they were higher-ranked than Malaysia. Malaysia, meanwhile, were eliminated without getting the opportunity to face Bangladesh on the field.

Pakistan will be Bangladesh’s opponents in the semi-final. If the semi-final is also abandoned due to weather or any other reason, Pakistan would advance because they are ranked higher than Bangladesh in the ICC rankings. Bangladesh, however, would still receive the bronze medal in that scenario.

Bangladesh won the men’s cricket gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games, their best-ever achievement in the event. They later won silver at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and bronze at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

With Bangladesh sending a full-strength national team this time, expectations had been high for at least a place in the final.

Now, they are one victory away from another Asian Games medal and a place in the gold-medal match.