The T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final teams were decided after Afghanistan beat Bangladesh by 8 runs using the DLS method in their final Super 8 match on Monday, June 24. Afghanistan, finishing second in Group 1, will play against unbeaten South Africa, who finished first in Group 2, in the first semi-final on Wednesday, June 26, at Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad & Tobago. India, topping Group 1 without a loss, will face defending champions England in the second semi-final on Thursday, June 27, at Guyana National Stadium in Providence, Guyana.
Rain has been a major issue throughout the tournament in the Caribbean and the USA, causing delays and some matches to be cancelled without any play. Extra time is available for these upcoming knockout matches to ensure they can finish even if there are weather delays.
Is there a Reserve Day for SA vs AFG Semi-Final in the T20 World Cup 2024?
For the group stage and the Super Eights, there were no extra days set aside in case of rain. However, there is a reserve day planned for one semifinal and the final matches. The second semifinal between India and England must finish on June 27 as scheduled. They have an extra 250 minutes available if there is any rain during the match.
If they can’t finish the match even with the extra time, India will move on to the final because they were the best team in Group 1. On the other hand, the first semifinal between South Africa and Afghanistan has an extra advantage.
Will Rain Interrupt the SA vs AFG Semi-Final?
The first semifinal might have cloudy weather, especially in the evening when it starts at 8:30 PM Local Time and goes until 12 AM Local Time on Wednesday, June 26. The forecast suggests there may not be rain, but there could be some interruptions if it rains or there are thunderstorms.
If rain or thunderstorms happen during the match, they might pause the game until the weather gets better. They might also use the extra time set aside to finish the match.
What if the Rain Interrupts or Washes Away the SA vs AFG Match?
The first semi-final has a reserve day, which means there’s a good chance to get a result without using points to decide the winner if rain stops play. If there’s a small delay or interruption, they can use an extra 60 minutes to finish the match. Since it’s a night game on Wednesday, June 26, they will add 60 extra minutes to the match time.
If they still can’t finish the match, it will be moved to the reserve day on Thursday, June 27, with 190 minutes allocated. To decide a winner in the semi-final and final of the T20 World Cup 2024, each team needs to play at least 10 overs. This rule applies even if the game is reduced to 20 overs due to rain or other reasons.
South Africa & Afghanistan’s Journey to Reach the T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final
South Africa has remained unbeaten in the tournament. They have created a record by winning 7 games on the trot. There were times when it seemed that the Proteas would choke again, but they have managed to rise above that feeling. South Africa defeated powerhouses like West Indies and England in the Super 8 of Group 2 to qualify for the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024.
On the other hand, Afghanistan has stunned everyone with their fine performances in the ongoing tournament. They defeated New Zealand in the group stage and subdued Australia and Bangladesh in the Super 8 to reach their first-ever T20 World Cup semi-final. Their morale is high, and they are surely going to be a handful for the South African Cricket Team in the semi-final.
