And after 54 exciting encounters, the stage is set for a final showdown between India and South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, rain showers in Barbados threaten to dampen the spirits of fans and potentially disrupt the highly anticipated clash.
But for how long do we have to play the waiting game? What is the cut-off time for losing overs? What is the cut-off time for the final to end? Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what could unfold:
What is the cut-off time for IND vs SA Final?
The match is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST (10:30 AM local time) on Saturday (June 29). The ICC has allocated an additional 190 minutes beyond this scheduled start time to try and squeeze in a full 40-over match. This means the latest possible start time for a complete game is 11:10 pm IST (1:40 PM local).
When will we start losing overs for IND vs SA Final?
Even if rain delays the toss and initial overs, there’s a window to have a full match, albeit late into the night. However, if the rain continues to disrupt play beyond this cut-off time, the ICC may opt for a reduced-overs format. The minimum playable limit in such situations is 10 overs per side. The latest possible start for a 10-over match is also estimated to be 11:10 pm IST but can also be delayed given the rain threat and outfield conditions.
What happen if IND vs SA final gets washed out?
Unlike the India-England semi-final, the final has the advantage of a reserve day. This means if a minimum of 10 overs cannot be played on Saturday due to rain, the game will be rescheduled for Sunday (June 30). This provides a crucial safety net and ensures a result will be determined, even if the original schedule is disrupted.
The DLS method, used to determine a fair target in rain-affected matches, will only come into effect if both teams bat for a minimum of 10 overs. In the unfortunate event that the match is entirely abandoned due to rain on both days, the outcome will be decided with a Super Over, where both teams will get a chance to bat for just six balls. If the rain gods didn’t allow for a Super Over as well, then both India and South Africa would be considered ‘Joint-winners’.
To put everything briefly, we have curated a short FAQs for you!
Q: Is there a reserve day for the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 final?
A: Yes, there is a reserve day for the IND vs SA Final.
Q: What happens if the match doesn’t start at the scheduled time?
A: ICC has allocated an additional 190 minutes to start a full 40-over game. This means the match can begin as late as 11:10 PM IST.
Q: Can the match be reduced to less than 40 overs?
A: Yes, the minimum playable overs is 10 per side in this clash, unlike the usual minimum of 5 overs. So, the officials can wait for an extra time to have a 10-over per side match.
Q: What is the latest time the match can start?
A: The match can start as late as 11:10 PM IST. However, if the waiting time exceeds, officials can elongate the waiting hours for a 10-over clash.
Q: What happens if the match is washed out?
A: The match will be shifted to the reserve day, which has certain restrictions, if neither team gets to play at least 10 overs each. In the event of a tied final, the teams will play a Super Over in accordance with ICC rules to decide the winner. Both South Africa and India will win the trophy if the Super Over is also abandoned.