As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 reaches its thrilling knockout stages, the semi-finals feature distinct playing conditions that have sparked considerable interest among fans and analysts alike. The semi-final matchups are India versus England and Afghanistan versus South Africa, each governed by different rules, particularly regarding reserve days.
Semi-Finalists and Match Details:
The semi-finalists from Group 1 are India and Afghanistan, while Group 2 sees South Africa and England advancing. Afghanistan, making their maiden appearance in a World Cup semi-final, will face South Africa in Trinidad. This match is scheduled to start at 6 AM IST on June 27. Later that same day, India will clash with defending champions England in Guyana at 8 PM IST. This encounter is a highly anticipated rematch of the previous edition’s semi-final, where England triumphed with a dominant 10-wicket victory.
Reserve Day Provisions:
Afghanistan vs. South Africa:
- Reserve Day Availability: The first semi-final has a reserve day, which will be utilized if the match cannot be completed on the scheduled day.
- Extra Time: An additional 60 minutes is available on the scheduled day, with a further 190 minutes on the reserve day if required.
- Match Continuation: Play will resume from the point it was interrupted. For example, if the match starts with 20 overs per side and is halted at 9 overs due to rain, then reduced to 17 overs per side but halted again without resumption, it will restart at 20 overs per side on the reserve day. If play resumes under reduced overs and is interrupted again, it will continue at the reduced over count the next day.
- Advancement Rule: If the match cannot be completed even on the reserve day, South Africa will advance to the final due to their higher standing in the Super Eight stage.
India vs. England:
- No Reserve Day: The second semi-final does not have a reserve day, a decision pre-determined by the ICC to facilitate optimal viewing times for Indian audiences. The match is scheduled in Guyana to align with daytime in India.
- Extra Time: Up to 250 minutes of extra time are allocated on the scheduled day to ensure the match is completed.
- Advancement Rule: In case of a washout, India will proceed to the final as they finished on top of Group 1.
When will we start losing overs?
An ICC spokesperson has confirmed that in the India vs. England semi-final, scheduled to start at 8 PM IST, overs will only start being reduced if play is delayed beyond 12:10 AM IST. This means that there is a four-hour window from the scheduled start time before any overs are deducted due to interruptions, ensuring ample opportunity to complete the match within the allotted time.
General Playing Conditions:
- Minimum Overs Requirement: For a result to be declared in the semi-finals and the final, each team must bat for a minimum of ten overs, a deviation from the five-over minimum in the group stages.
Background on the Decision:
The ICC had released the playing conditions for the tournament well in advance, clarifying the absence of a reserve day for the India vs. England match. While no official reason has been provided, it is understood that the decision was made to accommodate television schedules and viewership considerations, ensuring the semi-final involving India, a major cricketing nation with a vast fanbase, is played during convenient hours for its audience.
Implications and Reactions:
This disparity in playing conditions has led to some criticism and questions about fairness, especially from fans and cricket pundits. Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the issue, emphasizing the team’s focus on the game despite the absence of
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