New Delhi, India

After 52 gruelling encounters in the 2024 T20 World Cup, being held in West Indies and the USA, the stage is set for the semifinals. India, defending champions England, Afghanistan and South Africa are in the last four. While South Africa and Afghanistan will lock horns in the first semifinal in Trinidad on Wednesday (June 26, local time), India and England will meet in the second semifinal on Thursday (June 27) in Guyana. The cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the two semis with one eye on the weather.

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What happens if the two semis are affected by rain?

It is to be noted that there is a reserve day for the first semifinal, between the Afghans and unbeaten Aiden Markram-led South Africa. However, the second semifinal between India and England doesn't have a reserve day. However, four extra hours will be added, if need be, to determine a result. In case both the semifinals are entirely washed out, India and South Africa -- the two unbeaten teams in the ongoing 20-nation tournament -- will meet in the final for topping their respective groups in the Super 8s. Markram-led Proteas topped Group 2, comprising co-hosts West Indies, England and USA, whereas Rohit Sharma & Co. topped Group 1, which also included Australia, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

It is to be noted that the weather forecast for the India-England semifinal is not encouraging. There is high possibility of thundershowers during the high-voltage clash, having no reserve day.

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Also read: Former England cricketer SLAMS ICC, asks them to scrap 'FIXED' India vs Pakistan fixtures in mega events

What happens if even the final is washed out?

The summit clash will be held at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday (June 29). The big-ticket finale has a reserve day in store. However, if still there is no result possible, with rain likely to make its presence felt, then both the finalists will be declared joint-winners. 

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In the history of all ICC events, only once have two teams ended as joint-winners; during the 2002 Champions Trophy when both India and hosts Sri Lanka got a hand at the trophy.