Sports News

Women’s T20 World Cup: ‘Shame for tournament if rain ruins semi final’ – Heather Knight


Women’s T20 World Cup: Could England face semi-final washout?
Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final: India v England
Date: 5 March Time: 04:00 GMT Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Sport website & app; in-play highlights (UK only) & live text commentary on BBC Sport website & app

England captain Heather Knight says it would be “a shame for the tournament” if rain ruined the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals in Sydney on Thursday.

England are set to play India in the first semi-final at 04:00 GMT, before Australia face South Africa at 08:00.

But heavy rain is forecast for much of the day and there is no reserve day.

If play is washed out, India and South Africa will progress to the final after finishing top of their groups, eliminating England and Australia.

“If both semi-finals are lost, it will be a sad time for the tournament,” Knight said.

“The reserve day would be useful in this situation and it’s a shame for the tournament in general.”

What happens if it rains?

Each side will need to bat for 10 overs to constitute a match – which, given the forecast, could be difficult.

India were unbeaten in their group campaign, while South Africa won three matches before their final game against West Indies was washed out.

Neither side have reached the final before – India have been knocked out in the semi-finals three times, while South Africa reached them just once in 2014.

It would be a huge disappointment if Australia – defending champions and four-time tournament winners – did not make the home final.

A #FillTheMCG campaign has been running for months, with tournament organisers hoping to break the record for the biggest crowd at a women’s sporting event.

More than 60,000 tickets have already been sold, and Australia being in a final on home turf would undoubtedly help sell more seats.

England reached the semi-finals after beating the West Indies at the Sydney Showground

Why is there no reserve day?

The T20 World Cup is a short tournament, taking place over 17 days, and it is thought a reserve day for the knockout stages was not possible in such a short timeframe.

The men’s and women’s 50 over World Cups in England both had reserve days for their semi-finals.

In the men’s tournament, India and New Zealand completed their match on the reserve day because of rain in Manchester.

There is, however, a reserve day for the final, which is scheduled be held on 8 March at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Cricket Australia asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) about implementing a late reserve day, but they were told it was not possible.