The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have implemented a revised schedule for the T20 World Cup semi-finals, prioritizing finishing the second match on the designated day. This move aims to prevent finalists from facing a gruelling schedule of playing, travelling, and then playing again on consecutive days.
Different Conditions for Each Semi-Final
The first semi-final, scheduled for June 26th in Trinidad, will commence at 8:30 PM local time (6:00 AM IST) and has a designated reserve day in case of rain. Should inclement weather disrupt the match, it can spill over to June 27th for completion.
However, the second semi-final, set to take place in Guyana on June 27th at 10:30 AM local time (8:30 PM IST), requires completion on the same day. Recognizing the logistical challenges of playing two high-pressure matches back-to-back, the ICC has allocated an additional 240 minutes of playing time for this particular semi-final. This extended window translates to approximately eight hours of additional playing time if needed, significantly increasing the chances of completing the match within the original day.
An unnamed source clarified the rationale behind the revised schedule: “All four teams deserve an equal opportunity to finish the game. To ensure fatigue isn’t a factor for finalists, we decided to allocate extra time for the second semi-final since it’s a morning start. The first semi-final’s evening start allows for more flexibility with additional playing time if necessary.”
Reserve Day Regulations and Tie-Breaker Rules
The article provides a brief overview of the reserve day playing conditions, highlighting the effort to complete matches on the scheduled day whenever possible, with adjustments made to over quotas if necessary. Additionally, it summarizes the tie-breaker rules for semi-finals:
- A tied semi-final will be decided by a Super Over.
- If weather prevents the Super Over or if the match is abandoned, the team that finished first in its Second Round Group will progress to the Final.
This revised schedule prioritizes a smooth flow of the T20 World Cup by ensuring finalists have sufficient rest and avoiding potential logistical complications arising from back-to-back matches.
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