New Delhi: The T20 World Cup 2024 has reached the business end with four teams left in the battle for supremacy. All four teams will be in action on Thursday as Afghanistan take on South Africa in the first semi-final before India lock horns with England in the second semi-final later in the day.
Fans would be hoping for uninterrupted exciting cricketing action, especially with rain presenting a constant threat to the matches in the United States of America and the West Indies. Rain gods answered the prayers of millions of cricket fans during the India vs Australia and Afghanistan vs Bangladesh Super Eight clashes, which, despite a few interruptions, were completed successfully.
The weather forecast predicts rain in both the semi-final fixtures, which is why a reserve day is planned for knockout games. But surprisingly, only one semi-final has a reserve day in the T20 World Cup 2024.
The first semi-final between Afghanistan and South Africa has a reserve day while India vs South Africa semi-final does not have a reserve day.
Why India vs England semi-final doesn’t have a reserve day?
While both the matches will be telecast live on June 27, Thursday in India, according to local time both semi-finals will be played on two different dates. While the South Africa vs Afghanistan match in Trinidad will begin at 8:30 pm. local time on June 26, the India-England match is scheduled to begin at 10:30 pm local time on June 27 in Guyana.
Unlike the Afghanistan match, India’s match falls on the day before the travel day for the final on June 29. If SA vs AFG match is washed out it can move to the reserve day on June 27 but India and England, who play on June 27, can’t play on the reserve day in case of a washout as it will be a travelling day. That’s why the match will have an additional nearly four hours to complete the match if rain interrupts.
What is the weather forecast?
According to accuweather.com, there is an 18% chance of thunderstorms and 88% chance of rain in Guyana – the venue for the second semi-final between India and England.
In case of rain interruption, the second semifinal will have another 250 minutes.
If the match doesn’t start in the stipulated time, India, placed higher in the ‘Super 8s’, will advance to the final.
Know why the first semi-final between Afghanistan and South Africa has a reserve day while India vs South Africa semi-final does not have a reserve day. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
