(Source X)
According to AccuWeather’s forecast for Thursday, Guyana is expected to experience an 88% chance of rain during the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final between India and England.
Scheduled to take place at Providence Stadium in Guyana, this match marks a rematch of the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final held at Adelaide Oval. Two years later, Rohit Sharma’s Indian team and Jos Buttler’s English team will once again face off on June 27th.
Anticipation runs high as both India and England have proven themselves as formidable contenders in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Despite contrasting recent performances, with India maintaining an unbeaten record in their last two ICC white-ball tournaments, and England facing setbacks including losses to Australia and South Africa, the reigning champions are poised for a potential back-to-back title victory.
Following a disappointing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign, where England finished in 7th place, the team has shown a remarkable turnaround in the T20 format, led by Jos Buttler. Their resurgence suggests a strong bid to reclaim international cricketing glory.
The forecast from AccuWeather highlights a significant 88% chance of heavy rainfall and an additional 18% chance of thunderstorms in Guyana, potentially jeopardizing India and England’s semi-final match. India enters the contest with an impressive six-match unbeaten streak, bolstered by strong batting and bowling performances. However, just two days before the crucial match, ominous dark clouds loom over the Anglo-Indian clash.
Compounding the uncertainty, unlike the South Africa and Afghanistan match, there is no reserve day allocated for this semi-final. This lack of flexibility adds an element of suspense regarding whether the match will proceed as scheduled or face cancellation due to the adverse weather conditions.
India to get the benefit from the washout
The ICC has extended the scheduled time for the second semi-final by an extra 250 minutes to account for potential rain delays. This extension equates to approximately four additional hours allotted for the match. Should adverse weather conditions lead to a complete washout, India stands to benefit significantly.
India’s advantage stems from their top finish in Group 1 during the Super 8s, whereas England secured the runners-up position in Group 2. As per ICC regulations, in the event of a washout, the team that topped their group in the previous stage—India in this case—would progress to the final. Conversely, England would be eliminated and would head back home.