Time hangs heavy as India, South Africa eye T20 World Cup glory
Cricket
A reserve day has been allocated for the final
By Anees-ur-Rehman
The stage is set for the grand finale of the T20 World Cup, with a formidable Indian team clashing against the record-breaking South Africans this Saturday.
The epic showdown in the West Indies and USA marks the first time two undefeated teams will face off to lift the T20 World Cup in 2024.
In every game, as they say, there is one winner. Will it be India or South Africa? We will know by late Saturday night (according to Pakistan Standard Time).
While India, the favourites, aim to reclaim the trophy they last won in the inaugural 2007 edition against Pakistan, South Africa stand on the cusp of history. With a well-balanced team capable of stunning the former world champions, South Africa promises an unpredictable contest.
India seek to relive their past glory, but South Africa, after decades of heartbreak, have rewritten history by reaching their first-ever T20 World Cup final. Their triumph over a spirited Afghanistan in the semi-final marked the breakthrough after losing seven previous World Cup semi-finals across formats.
Boasting a powerful batting line-up with aggressive options down to number seven and a versatile bowling attack featuring both pace and spin excellence, South Africa believe 2024 is finally time to shine.
Venue
The Kensington Oval, the largest Caribbean cricket venue with a capacity of 28,000, is situated in the west of Barbados capital. With a history spanning over 120 years, it has hosted international cricket since 1895.
The stadium was upgraded for the 2007 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and later witnessed England's victory over Australia in the 2010 T20 World Cup final.
Is there any reserve day in case of rain?
Weather apps predict rain in Barbados from early morning until evening on both weekend days. Sunday is a reserve day, but rain is expected on that day too.
According to World Cup playing conditions, there are an extra 190 minutes each day to handle any delays.
The match is scheduled from 10:30am to 1:40pm local time and can be extended till 4:50pm if necessary.
If the final can’t be finished due to rain or wet outfield, India and South Africa will share the trophy.
South Africa’s journey to final
South Africa have won all their matches in the tournament so far, becoming the first team to register eight straight victories, but they’ve had some close calls.
The Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal all came close to beating them in the group stage, and the USA made it tough for them at the start of the Super Eights.
They also had tight games against England and the West Indies but managed to win in the end.
Will they beat the mighty India in the final? Only time will tell.
India’s progress to final
India have won every match they've played, except for a game against Canada that was washed out due to rain at Lauderhill.
On June 9 in New York, Rohit Sharma's team narrowly defeated Pakistan in a low-scoring game, shattering the hopes of millions of Pakistani fans.
They had strong victories over Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Australia, which helped them win Group 1 in the Super Eight.
The Men in Blue continued their great performance with a big win over the defending champions, England, in the semi-final.
Key players to watch out for
India: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Virat Kohli and Kuldeep Yadav
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje
