The second semifinal of the T20 World Cup in Guyana between India vs England has a serious rain threat hanging over it, which puts the focus on ICC’s playing conditions that are put in place for weather interruptions to knockout matches of the tournament that must produce a winner. But in stark contrast, while there is a reserve day in place for the first semifinal between South Africa and Afghanistan, there is no such provision for the second one.
The reason behind that is the timing of the two matches where South Africa vs Afghanistan match in Trinidad being a day-night game (starts 8:30 pm local time, June 26) and India vs England semifinal in Guyana being a day affair (starts 10:30 am local time, June 27).
June 28 is travel day for both finalists as they move from their current locations to Barbados. So if rain prevents completion of the day-night match between SA and Afghanistan, then it will overflow into reserves day on June 27. However, since June 28 is supposed to be spent travelling by players; therefore, this means that India vs England Day match on June 27 will have to be finished within that same period with nearly four extra hours being set aside for the second semi-final.
According to accuweather.com, chances of raining are about 88% tomorrow morning at Guyana with an even higher chance of thunderstorms at around 18%.
If rain happens as predicted above more than half way through this match or covers have been used most times resulting into loss of playing time such scenario would result in umpires having another eight hours to complete it and hence give out a result.
Nevertheless if it does not work out like that then whoever gets highest points from ‘Super 8s’ among them will qualify for finals. This rule applies to both semis games.
Based on these, if both semi finals end in no results then India (Group 1 toppers) and South Africa (Group 2 toppers) will go into the title match.
