By Zainab Shafiq 
In a bid to ensure fair play and accommodate potential weather delays, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) have announced an additional 250 minutes of playing time for the second semifinal of the T20 World Cup. The decision comes amidst concerns raised by a Cricbuzz report regarding the possibility of the second semifinal winner facing the final the very next day.
ICC and CWI Extend Match Time for T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinals
With no reserve day scheduled for the second semifinal, the extended match time aims to mitigate any adverse effects of weather interruptions and avoid scenarios where teams would have to play and travel on consecutive days. The scheduling clarification assures that teams have adequate time for rest and preparation ahead of crucial matches.
The first semifinal, slated for June 26 in Trinidad, will start at 8:30 PM local time, with a reserved day on June 27 to account for potential rain disruptions. In contrast, the second semifinal, scheduled for June 27 in Guyana at 10:30 AM local time, will be completed on the same day, with the additional time allocation ensuring sufficient room for any unforeseen delays.
This organizational effort aims to provide fans with the best chance of witnessing a result on the scheduled day while also ensuring equitable playing conditions for all teams involved. Furthermore, the decision reflects the ICC and CWI’s commitment to managing the tournament efficiently, balancing both performance considerations and fan experience.
India, likely to feature in the second semifinal in Guyana, will be closely monitoring the weather conditions, with arrangements in place to handle rain contingencies. In the event of a tie in the semifinals, a Super Over will determine the finalist, ensuring a fair and decisive outcome.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the T20 World Cup semifinals, the extended match time underscores the meticulous planning and collaborative efforts undertaken by the ICC and CWI to uphold the integrity of the tournament and provide an unforgettable cricketing spectacle for fans worldwide.
Reserve Day Playing Conditions
13.6.1 All matches will consist of one innings per side, each innings being limited to a maximum of 20 overs. All matches shall be of one day’s scheduled duration provided that participating countries in a series may agree to provide for a reserve day on which an incomplete match may be replayed or continued from the scheduled day.
13.6.2 If the match is to be continued on the reserve day, every effort shall 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.
13.6.3 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 under the same assumption that the last ball was played on the scheduled day.
Tie break rule
Clause 16.10.7 in the playing conditions:
a) If a Semi-Final is tied, the teams shall compete in a Super Over to determine which team progresses to the Final. Refer to clause 16.3.1.2 and Appendix F.
b) If following a tie, weather conditions prevent the Super Over from being completed, or if the match is abandoned or a no result, then the team that finished first in its Second Round Group will progress to the Final.
Source: Cricbuzz
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