After an interval of eight months, Team India has an opportunity to seek retribution for their heartbreaking loss in the 2023 World Cup final, but this time in a different format and on neutral ground. Following Australia’s unexpected defeat to Afghanistan on Sunday in Kingstown during their second Super Eight match in Group 2 of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2021 champions find themselves in a precarious position. Mitchell Marsh’s team, previously poised to advance to the semifinals alongside India with a win over Rashid Khan’s side, now faces a decisive match against India to determine their fate.
Despite Australia’s determination to defeat India and secure their third consecutive semifinal appearance, they must contend with the looming threat of rain in St Lucia. According to Accuweather, the forecast for Monday morning predicts overcast skies with occasional rain and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is expected between 7 and 9 AM local time, with precipitation chances exceeding 65 percent. However, conditions are anticipated to be cloudy during the match hours starting at 10:30 AM local time. Any heavy rain just before the match could delay the start, as has been the case in the last 24 hours.
A delayed start could potentially disrupt the crucial penultimate Super Eight game of the 2024 T20 World Cup, compounded by afternoon thunderstorm possibilities per the weather forecast.
In the event of rain washing out the India vs Australia match at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, both teams will be awarded one point each since there are no reserve days allocated for Super Eight matches by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This outcome would guarantee India a place in the T20 World Cup semifinals for the second consecutive time under a no-result scenario. Conversely, Australia would find themselves with just three points from three games.
Australia’s hopes of advancing would depend on other results. They would need Bangladesh to upset Afghanistan or hope for a similar washout in the match in Kingstown. Should the Bangladesh-Afghanistan game also end in a no-result, Australia could still qualify based on a superior net run rate despite having the same number of points from three matches.
The clash between India and Australia not only impacts the current standings of the tournament but also evokes memories of their previous World Cup encounters. With Australia eager for redemption, they face a determined Indian side striving to secure their semifinal berth amid the unpredictable weather conditions in the Caribbean.
