The ICC has recently revealed that reserve days will be available, for the final matches and the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. These extra days will be utilized if due, to weather conditions or any unforeseen circumstances the matches cannot be completed on their scheduled days.
The reserve day was also included in the knockout stages of the 2019 ODI World Cup. The second innings of the semi-final match between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester was played on the reserve day due to weather.
On their website, the ICC stated the availability of a reserve day for the 2023 ODI World Cup knockouts.
“Both semi-finals and the final can use a reserve day should a result be unable to be reached due to weather,” the statement read.
On Thursday, November 16, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, there is a forecast of rain for Australia vs. South Africa’s second semi-final match. Precipitation is 50% likely to fall on the day of the match, according to weather sources.
Only in the event that the match-even a shorter one-cannot be played on the scheduled day will the reserve day be activated. Finishing the game on the scheduled day will always take precedence over using the reserve day.
The reserve day has become frequent in 2023, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Asia Cup Super 4s stage match between India and Pakistan taking place on the day following the scheduled one.
What if World Cup matches are abandoned on reserve day?
If conditions on the reserve day prevent teams from completing the minimum 20 overs needed for a result, the team with the highest league stage finish will be crowned victorious.
The teams from India and South Africa are ranked higher than those from Australia and New Zealand, respectively, going into their respective semi-final matches.
The weather prognosis for the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad on November 19 seems favorable, with little to no probability of rain.
