Women's World Cup: How weather in Navi Mumbai can play a big factor in India-Australia semifinal

Women's World Cup: How weather in Navi Mumbai can play a big factor in India-Australia semifinal (BCCI Photo)

Team India are now just two matches away from winning their maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title. But their biggest challenge awaits, a semi-final clash against the defending champions, Australia, on October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

India had earlier lost to Australia in the group stage, and once again, they face them in a knockout match. It will be another tough test for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team. Top players from both sides are ready for a high-intensity contest, but the major concern is rain might play spoilsport in this all-important game.

According to the current forecast, there is around 40 percent chance of rain on October 30, especially till 3 PM. Although there is a reserve day (October 31), that day too does not look promising. The forecast suggests rain could continue till 5 PM on the reserve day, and after a short break, showers might return again around 8 PM.

As per the ICC Playing Conditions, Section 13.6 states: “The SemiFinals and Final shall have a reserve day allocated on which an incomplete match shall be continued from the scheduled day. No other matches shall have a reserve day allocated."

It also adds: “If the reserve day is allocated, every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in overs taking place, and only if the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match cannot be bowled on the scheduled day will the match be completed on the reserve day."

According to ICC rules, for a 50-over match to produce a result, both teams must bat at least 20 overs (unless a side is bowled out earlier). If this does not happen, the match will be declared abandoned.

That means over the two days, if the rain gods have the final say and the match ends with no result, India will be knocked out, while Australia will progress to the final.

The reason — Australia finished higher on the points table. The Aussies topped the league stage with six wins and one no result, remaining unbeaten. India, on the other hand, finished fourth with three wins, three losses, and one no result.

So, while Team India continue their preparation for the crucial clash, all eyes will also be on Navi Mumbai’s weather. A jampacked crowd is expected once again, and fans will be praying for clear skies, hoping that rain does not end up breaking India’s dream in their home World Cup.