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England and Pakistan are all set to cross swords in the final of the T20 World Cup 2022 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 13. While cricket fans are anticipating a high-octane clash on Sunday, the weather forecast suggests rain can play a spoilsport. According to weather predictions in Melbourne, heavy rainfall is expected as there are over 90 per cent of chances for a shower on Sunday.
Similar weather is predicted for November 14 (Monday), which is marked as a reserve day. However, ICC has taken cognizance of the weather predictions ahead of the highly anticipated clash and has updated the rules accordingly.
As per information shared by cricket’s governing body, the Event Technical Committee has increased the provision of additional playing time on the reserve day to four hours from the original provision of two hours (clause 13.7.3 of the Playing Conditions), in case more time is required to match and get a result.
According to ICC rules, at least 10 overs must be bowled per team, against that of five overs for the Super 12 stage. But, looking at the weather forecast, the extra time has been added to ensure that 10 overs can be bowled.
"It may be noted that 10 overs per side are required to constitute a match in the knockout stage and every effort will be taken to complete the match on the scheduled match day, with any necessary reduction of overs taking place," read the statement released by ICC.
The statement further informed that only if the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match cannot be bowled on Sunday, only then the match will go into the reserve day.
“Play on the reserve day will begin at 1500h (09:30 AM IST) and would be a continuation of play from the scheduled match day,” the release read further.