What is the cut-off time for the India vs England semifinal as rain threatens the match in Guyana?

We might be in for unfortunate news as the much-awaited clash between India and England in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal faces a potential dampener as heavy rain lashes Guyana. With tensions high and both teams hungry to enter the finals, the weather certainly play a crucial role in determining the finalist.

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 this second semifinal to end? Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what could unfold:

What is the cut-off time for IND vs ENG semifinal?

Given the threatening conditions in Guyana, the ICC was always prepared to wait. They’ve allocated an additional 250 minutes beyond the scheduled start time to try and squeeze in a full 40-over match. The original scheduled time to start the match is 8:00 PM IST (10:30 local). If the rain continues to pour and the start gets delayed, the latest possible start time for a 40-over game is 12:10 AM IST. So, even if the rain delays the toss and initial overs, there’s still a window to have a complete game, albeit late into the night.

When will we start losing overs for IND vs ENG semifinal?

If the rain continues to disrupt even with the extended window, the match won’t be abandoned just yet. ICC regulations allow for a reduced-overs format in such situations, with the minimum playable limit being 10 overs per side. This means the officials might hold onto the hope of a shorter but competitive game, potentially pushing the start time even further. The latest possible start time for a 10-over match is estimated to be 1:44 AM IST. Hence, the cut-off time for a minimum overs (10 overs in this case) is 4:14 pm Local (1:44 IST).

What happen if IND vs ENG semifinal gets washed out?

Unlike the first semifinal or the final clashes, the India-England encounter doesn’t have the luxury of a reserve day. This means a decision on the match needs to be made on the scheduled date itself. However, if the wait extends beyond 1:44 AM IST, the match will be called off entirely. In this scenario, India will automatically advance to the final. This advantage stems from their dominant performance in the Super Eight stage, where they secured the top spot in Group 1. England, on the other hand, finished second in Group 2. Hence, the defending champions would desperately want for the match to happen.

To put everything briefly, we have curated a short FAQs for you!

Q: Is there a reserve day for the India vs England T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal?

A: No, there is no reserve day for the IND vs ENG semi-final.

Q: What happens if the match doesn’t start at the scheduled time?

A: ICC has allocated an additional 250 minutes to start a full 40-over game. This means the match can begin as late as 12:10 AM IST.

Q: Can the match be reduced to less than 40 overs?

A: Yes, the minimum playable overs is 10 per side in this semifinal, 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 1:44 AM IST. However, if the waiting time exceeds 1.44 AM IST, then the match will be called off.

Q: What happens if the match is washed out?

A: If the match is abandoned due to rain, India will advance to the final because they finished top of Group 1 in the Super Eight stage, while England finished second in Group 2.