In the Super 8 Group of the T20 World Cup today, an important match is going on between India and Australia. A win in this match is mandatory for the Indian team to enter the semi-finals. If the Indian team makes it to the semi-finals, they will play the semi-finals in Guyana. This decision has been taken so that Indian fans can watch this match in prime time in the evening. But there is an irony behind this semi-final. There is no reserve day for this semi-final.
A reserve day is provided for knockout matches in major tournaments. Every team is struggling to reach the playoffs. If the rain interferes, all the hard work can be washed away. Keeping this in mind, there is a reserve day for big matches like semi finals, finals. For example, in the 2019 ODI World Cup, the semi-final match between India and New Zealand was played over two days. But there is no reserve day for the semi-final of the T20 World Cup held in West Indies in Guyana.
The reason for this is in logistics. It is certain that India will play the semi-final match in Guyana. This match will be held on 27th. The final will be held at Bridgetown on 29th. If the semi-final of the Indian team is kept, this match will be played on 28th. But if the Indian team makes it to the finals, they will have to travel to Bridgetown from Guyana. It is necessary to keep enough time for that journey. Along with the players, their kit of cricket material also needs to reach in time. If a reserve day is kept, the calculation of travel from Guyana to Bridgetown can be messed up. Keeping this in mind no reserve day has been given for India’s semi-final.
According to the playing conditions of the T20 World Cup, if rain interrupts the Indian team’s semi-final, 250 minutes will be added to the allotted time. The match is expected to end in these 250 extra minutes. Rain has disrupted many matches in the tournament so far. In such a situation, it is necessary to have a reserve day for an important match like the semi-final.
