After rain threat in Melbourne, ICC makes huge change in playing conditions for England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup final

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• Nov 12, 2022 | Sourav Boruah

 Digital Desk: The England vs. Pakistan T20 World Cup
final was in danger of being completely wiped out due to the forecasted severe
rain in Melbourne on Sunday and Monday. As a result, the International Cricket
Council (ICC) acted quickly. On Sunday, the final is scheduled to occur at
Melbourne Cricket Ground, however there is an 80% probability of rain. Although
it has decreased from the 95% projection made on Friday, it is still too high
to anticipate a full 20 overs of cricket. There is a backup day for the final
on Monday, but the worst part is that thundershowers are expected even then.

The ICC
has agreed to extend the playing time on the reserve day from two hours to
four, taking into account all of these issues. In case more time is needed to
finish the game and determine a winner, the Event Technical Committee (ETC)
expanded the availability of additional playing time on the reserve day from
the original provision of two hours to four hours (clause 13.7.3 of the Playing
Conditions).

On the
reserve day, play can begin at 9:30 IST if necessary to finish the final. The
additional time has been added because ICC knockouts require a minimum of 10
overs each side rather than the customary five to be deemed complete. Notably,
the reserve day will only be applied if Sunday cannot yield the required number
of overs. Even if it takes playing a 10-overs-a-side battle, the match
officials will do all in their power to secure a result on Sunday. If the
weather doesn't cooperate, the game will resume on Monday where it left off on
Sunday.

"It should be remembered that a match in the knockout
stage consists of 10 overs for each side, and every attempt will be made to
finish the match on the designated match day, with any necessary overs
reduction taking place. The match will only move to the reserve day if the
minimum amount of overs required to make up a match cannot be bowled on Sunday.
Play on the reserve day would continue from the planned match day and would
start at 1500h (9:30 AM IST) "said ICC.