Those concerned that weather might ruin the T20 World Cup final between England and Pakistan can rest easy knowing there is a full reserve day allotted.
If the match cannot be concluded on Sunday 13 November, it will resume on Monday at the point at which it was suspended.
It is unclear if a DLS reduction on Sunday is still a possibility although it is understood that the umpires will do their utmost to ensure the final doesn’t come down to a short shootout.
“If the reserve day is allocated, every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in overs taking place and only if the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match cannot be bowled on the scheduled day will the match be completed on the reserve day,” the playing conditions read.
“If the match has started on the scheduled day and overs are subsequently reduced following an interruption, but no further play is possible, the match will resume on the reserve day at the point where the last ball was played.”
If rain wipes out both days allowed for the final and the teams cannot manage at least 10 overs per side, then the trophy will have to be shared.
Both England and Pakistan are chasing their second T20 World Cup titles in the match and, neither side wants to share this trophy after the emotional rollercoasters they have been on.
The weather forecasts do not cast a positive image with a lot of rain around on both Sunday and Monday.
Rain played its part in England’s loss to Ireland and also saw them miss out on the chance to pick up points against Afghanistan but, they managed to recover and reach the big match.
England were among the pre-tournament favourites and will now feel the trophy is theirs to lose.
What role will the weather play in all of this and should the ICC consider weather contingencies more seriously, only time will tell if that day will come.
