In the second semifinal of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, South Africa will take on Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The winner of this game will face hosts India in the finals on November 19 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, the marquee game is hovering under the threat of rain, as the weather forecast doesn’t seem supportive.
According to the latest updates, the ground is covered in Kolkata, and fans and players are waiting for the rain to go away. However, according to the weather forecast, there is almost a 70% chance of rain on Thursday. The match might get delayed as there is a 40% chance of rain around 2 p.m. IST. Meanwhile, after 3 PM, the weather will improve just to come back to haunt in the second inning.
According to the Metrological Department, from 6 p.m. IST to 12 a.m. IST, there are 40 to 60 per cent chances of rain. However, if the match fails to get a result today, it can be resumed tomorrow, considering it is a reserve day. It’s worth noting that on reserve day there is a much better weather forecast, and the game might see completion.
Who will face India if rain washes off the game?
It’s worth noting that to get a result, both teams should have to play at least 20 overs each. In the event of no results, the team ranked higher in the points table will qualify for the finals. This means South Africa will qualify for the finals if rain washes off the game on both days. Meanwhile, to qualify for the finals, Australia will prey on rain to stay away from the game.
It’s worth noting that India qualified for the finals with a massive win against New Zealand in a high-scoring encounter at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. The hosts beat the Kiwis by 70 runs as the Kane Williamson-led side failed to chase 398 runs in 50 overs. Star pacer Mohammad Shami clinched seven wickets and outshined the Kiwi batting line-up.
