The stage is set for a thrilling T20 World Cup 2024 final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. However, the much-anticipated clash between South Africa and India faces a potential downpour, raising concerns about a washout or interruptions.
South Africa makes history, India seeks redemption
South Africa booked their first-ever T20 World Cup final appearance with a dominant performance against Afghanistan in Trinidad and Tobago. Their bowlers stifled the Afghan batting lineup, securing a comprehensive 9-wicket victory.
Meanwhile, India exorcised the demons of the 2022 T20 World Cup by thrashing England in a one-sided second semi-final held in Guyana. Rohit Sharma and his men displayed clinical batting and bowling prowess, leaving England 68 runs behind.
Rain threat looms large over the final
The biggest threat to this high-voltage encounter comes from the sky. Heavy rain is forecast throughout Saturday in Barbados, with the possibility of showers persisting from early morning until evening. This isn’t the first time rain has disrupted the tournament – several group stage matches and even the semi-finals faced delays or cancellations due to the weather.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 Final, SA vs IND – Probable XI & Players to watch out for | South Africa vs India
Reserve Day offers hope, but time constraints remain
Organizers are prepared for the potential rain disruptions. A reserve day has been allocated for Sunday, June 30, with additional playing time added to both days. However, the official match window remains from 10:30 am to 1:20 pm local time. While this window can be extended to 4:30 pm based on weather conditions, completing a full 20-over match on both days becomes a challenge if rain delays the start significantly.
Fans brace themselves for a tense wait
Cricket fans around the world will be glued to their screens, anxiously watching the weather updates and hoping for clear skies. A full and exciting T20 World Cup final between South Africa and India is highly anticipated, but the weather might force a change of plans.
Barbados Weather Forecast: A cause for concern
Here’s an hourly breakdown of the rain chance in Barbados for Saturday, June 29:
- 8 am: 45% chance
- 9 am: 54% chance
- 10 am: 58% chance
- 11 am: 56% chance
- 12 am: 72% chance (highest)
- 1 pm: 55% chance
- 2 pm: 50% chance
- 3pm: 45% chance
- 4pm: 40% chance
- 5pm: 27% chance
- 6pm: 25% chance (minimum)
With the highest chance of rain occurring around noon, the scheduled start time becomes particularly crucial. A delayed start could significantly impact the possibility of completing a full 20-over match on both days, even with the reserve day in place.
The cricketing world waits with bated breath to see if the weather gods will allow South Africa and India to battle it out for T20 World Cup glory, or if the rain will have the final say.
