The T20 World Cup 2024 is heading towards an exciting finish in the Caribbean as India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan secured their semifinal spots after 52 matches in the group stage and the Super 8s.
Afghanistan sealed the last spot in the semifinal after a pulsating eight-run victory over Bangladesh, effectively also knocking out 2021 champions Australia. As Afghanistan face South Africa in the first semifinal, one team is confirmed to play their maiden T20 World Cup final across nine editions.
However, inclement weather may now play spoilsport during both semifinals at different venues on the same day.
T20 World Cup semifinals weather update
The semifinals will be held at the Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad, and Providence Stadium, Guyana, on Thursday morning (according to IST) and evening. Both venues have been predicted to see persistent rainfall through the week with a likely chance of thundershowers during the second semifinal between India and England in Guyana.
The Providence Stadium in Guyana has not hosted any matches since June 8
Tarouba weather on June 26 Although rain is not predicted according to the latest forecast in Tarouba on Wednesday evening, conditions will remain overcast through the night for the South Africa-Afghanistan clash.
Guyana weather on June 27: Passing showers could hamper the India-England semifinal through the morning during a scheduled 10:30 am local time start. The gloomy update is that the chances for rain are predicted to pick as the day progresses, intensifying between 5-6 pm.
Who will qualify if rain washes out T20 World Cup semifinals?
The semifinal South Africa and Afghanistan will be held on Wednesday night (6.30 am on Thursday IST). According to the ICC schedule, the first semifinal will have the cushion of a reserve day on Thursday as the final is slated for Saturday in Barbados, leaving a day’s time for the teams to complete their travel and other arrangements between the islands.
However, the second semi-final between India and England will begin in Guyana from 10:30am (8.00pm IST on Thursday). Therefore, the last-four clash between India and England will not bear a reserve day on Friday, rather have additional 250 times of playing time made possible on the event of rain at the venue.
In case if both matches are not possible even with the reserve time and day available, the team that finished higher in the Group Stage will proceed to the final. South Africa finished atop Group 2 while Afghanistan had finished second in Group 1. This means that the Proteas will qualify for Saturday’s final in case of a washout. Consequently, India will pip England if their tie in Guyana is washed out.
Even as the June 29 (Saturday) T20 World Cup final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados bears a reserve day, a complete washout across both days will see the ICC declaring the finalists as joint-winners.
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