What Happens If Rain Affects The T20 World Cup 2024 Final Between India And South Africa?

The T20 World Cup 2024 final will see inaugural champions India face first-time finalists South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday, June 29. This highly anticipated match follows thrilling semi-final victories for both teams.

South Africa secured their spot in the final by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets. They bowled out Afghanistan for a record low of 56 runs in a T20 World Cup semi-final and chased the target in just 8.5 overs at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad & Tobago on June 26.

India, led by Rohit Sharma, overcame defending champions England with a 68-run victory. Sharma's half-century set up a challenging target of 172 runs. Spinners Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav then took three wickets each to dismiss England for 103 runs at the Guyana National Stadium on June 27.

Both teams are now travelling to Barbados amidst stormy weather conditions. The South African team's flight was delayed by nearly six hours due to rain at Grantley Adams airport, according to ESPN Cricinfo.

The weather has been a significant concern throughout the tournament, with many matches affected by rain. Some games were washed out without a ball being bowled, while others were shortened due to weather interruptions.

A storm warning is in place for Saturday, June 29, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the final. However, there are specific rules in place to handle such situations.

What Happens if Rain Interrupts or Washes Out the Final?

If rain interrupts play or causes delays, an additional 190 minutes are allocated to complete the match. For a match to be valid in the knockout stages, at least ten overs must be bowled to the side batting second unless a result is achieved earlier.

If both teams do not get to play a minimum of ten overs each, the match will move to the reserve day under certain conditions.

Reserve Day Details

A reserve day is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, similar to the first semi-final in Trinidad. If needed, every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with necessary reductions in overs before moving to the reserve day.

If play starts on the scheduled day but cannot continue due to interruptions, it will resume from where it left off on the reserve day.

What If Reserve Day Is Also Washed Out?

If weather conditions prevent play on both days, a Super Over will determine the winner. If even this is not possible due to weather conditions or other factors, India and South Africa will be declared joint winners and share the trophy.

Weather Forecast for Bridgetown

June 29: The forecast predicts cloudy and breezy conditions with showers and thunderstorms early morning and post-noon. During playing hours (10:30 AM - 2:30 PM local time), there is a 20-47% chance of precipitation but mostly cloudy skies are expected.

June 30: The forecast indicates mostly cloudy and humid conditions with occasional rain and thunderstorms expected in the afternoon. Breezy conditions are likely in the morning.

The final promises excitement despite weather uncertainties. Fans hope for clear skies so that cricket takes centre stage without interruptions.