- T20 World Cup Final: India wins crucial toss, opts to bat first against South Africa
As cricket fever reaches its peak with the much-anticipated T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa, Mother Nature seems to be preparing her own dramatic entrance. According to the latest updates from the Barbados Meteorological Service, Weather.com, and Accuweather, the finale scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, could be severely disrupted by inclement weather and the looming threat of Tropical Storm Beryl.
A damp forecast for the final
The Barbados Meteorological Service issued a statement on Thursday, June 27, warning of a tropical storm expected to impact the island on the day of the final. The weather reports indicate a high likelihood of rainfall throughout the day. Accuweather reports suggest that showers and possible thunderstorms could disrupt the match, with rain percentages peaking at 51% during match hours. The skies are expected to be mostly cloudy, with occasional scattered sunlight breaking through moderate showers and a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms.
Hourly weather update (local time) for June 29:
- 9:00 AM (6:30 PM IST): 47% chance of rain
- 10:00 AM (7:30 PM IST): 29% chance of rain
- 11:00 AM (8:30 PM IST): 29% chance of rain
- 12:00 PM (9:30 PM IST): 35% chance of rain
- 1:00 PM (10:30 PM IST): 51% chance of rain
- 2:00 PM (11:30 PM IST): 47% chance of rain
- 3:00 PM (12:30 AM IST): 40% chance of rain
The second semi-final between India and England experienced similar delays due to rain, but a full match was eventually completed despite interruptions. For the final, however, the playing outfield will be thoroughly inspected by the umpires before the scheduled toss time, adding to the suspense.
Reserve day weather (June 30):
- Morning: Partly cloudy, temperatures around 28-30°C, 18-24% chance of rain.
- Afternoon: Few showers, temperatures peaking at 31°C, rain chances around 34%.
- Evening: Showers and wind, temperatures around 28-29°C, rain chances up to 66%.
The Beryl factor: From storm to potential hurricane
The Barbados Met department's latest bulletin, of Friday, June 28, 2024, at 5 PM, stated that a tropical depression has strengthened into tropical storm Beryl. Located near 9.3N 43.6W, 1800 km east-southeast of Barbados, Beryl is expected to affect the island late Sunday night into Monday, 1 July. This system is expected to bring flash flooding, storm-force winds, and hazardous marine conditions.
By Saturday, June 29, at 5 am, Beryl had intensified further, prompting the issuance of a Hurricane Watch. The centre of Beryl is projected to pass 45 km south of Barbados, with impacts felt as early as Sunday night.
ICC's playing conditions and the reserve day
The ICC's playing conditions for the reserve day state that "every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in overs”. A minimum of 10 overs must be bowled by each side to achieve a result. If the match starts but cannot be completed due to rain, it will resume from the same point on the reserve day.
What happens if the match is washed out on the reserve day?
If the match is washed out on Sunday as well then India and South Africa will be declared joint winners.
What does this mean for the fans and players?
For cricket enthusiasts, this meteorological mayhem means a potentially disrupted match with start-stop gameplay, possibly stretching into the reserve day. Players will need to be mentally prepared for a game of patience and resilience, balancing the high stakes of a World Cup final with the whims of weather gods.
