The stage is set for an exhilarating T20 World Cup 2024 final as inaugural champions India face off against first-time finalists South Africa at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Saturday, June 29.
South Africa secured their spot in the final by defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets in the first semi-final, marking their first-ever appearance in an ICC event final.
India, on the other hand, overcame defending champions England with a 68-run victory in the second semi-final to book their place in the title clash.
However, the weather forecast for Barbados on the day of the final suggests a high chance of rainfall throughout the day.
As both teams travel to Barbados, the Caribbean remains under the threat of storms. According to the media reports, the South African team and officials experienced a six-hour delay at Grantley Adams Airport due to rain.
This has been a recurring issue throughout the T20 World Cup 2024, with many matches in both the Caribbean and the USA being affected by rain, some even washed out without a ball being bowled, and others ending as truncated affairs.
With a storm warning issued for Saturday, June 29, the weather continues to be a significant concern heading into the World Cup final. Fortunately, there are special rules for the T20 World Cup final 2024. Here is everything you need to know about the T20 World Cup 2024 final rain rules:
Rain Rules for the T20 World Cup 2024 Final
Fortunately, the ICC has made provisions for a reserve day in case the final is interrupted by rain. Here are the key rain-related rules for the T20 World Cup 2024 final:
- Extra Time Allocation: An extra time of 190 minutes will be allotted to the final game on June 29 to ensure a 20-over match and a fair result for both sides. Overs reduction will be in place following that.
- Reserve Day: If the match is abandoned without a ball being bowled on June 29, it will be moved to the reserve day on June 30.
- Tie Scenario: In the event of a tie, the winners will be determined using a super over. If the match is abandoned due to rain or pitch conditions following a tie, the teams playing in the final will be declared as joint winners of the competition.
- Continuation on Reserve Day: If the match is not completed on the scheduled day and moved to the reserve day on June 30, the match will recommence from where it was halted. The result of the toss and the named teams will be carried through to the reserve day.
Possible Scenarios if the IND vs SA T20 World Cup Final is Washed Out
- Match Starts and Gets Interrupted: If the match starts with 20 overs per side and an interruption occurs after a few overs, the overs will be reduced (e.g., to 17 overs). If the match is then abandoned, it will be moved to the reserve day with the 17-over format in place.
- No Play on Scheduled Day: If the match is abandoned without a ball being bowled on June 29, it will be played on the reserve day on June 30 with the full 20 overs per side.
- Tie and Abandonment: If the match is tied and then abandoned due to rain or pitch conditions, the teams will be declared as joint winners of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The weather will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the final. However, the ICC’s rain rules should ensure that a result is obtained, even if the match is interrupted or washed out on the scheduled day.
