T20 World Cup 2024: What will happen if the final is washed out?

South Africa is set to compete against the victor of the India-England game in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. The highly-anticipated showdown will take place at the prestigious Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024.

The culmination of the tournament's ninth iteration could be affected by inclement weather, as forecasts suggest potential unfavorable meteorological conditions in Barbados. AccuWeather reports predict a predominantly cloudy and humid day, with intermittent showers and thunderstorms in the early hours of the day. Conditions in the morning are expected to be breezy, with a 78% probability of precipitation, a factor of particular concern given the match's scheduled commencement at 10:30 am AST.

In addition to rainfall, a isolated thunderstorm is forecasted to occur after 11 am in Bridgetown, potentially resulting in a washout.

What are the consequences if the final is washed out?

Unlike the group-stage, Super Eights, or the second semi-final, the final has a reserve day allocated in case weather plays spoilsport on the designated day. The reserve day is scheduled for the following day, June 30, Sunday, with the match to be played at the same venue and time (8 pm IST/10:30 am AST).

Should rain interfere, the match will be subject to reduced overs, and in the  event of a complete washout, the following scenarios will apply: if England emerges victorious over India in the second semi-final, South Africa will be declared champions and secure their maiden ICC triumph because they finished ahead of England in Group 2 by winning all their matches in the Super 8s.

On the other hand, if India defeat England or if the second semi-final is abandoned due to weather, India will claim the title due to their superior net run rate (+2.017) compared to South Africa's (+0.599), a scenario arising due to both teams finishing at the top of their respective groups in the Super 8s.