The T20 World Cup 2024 final is set to take place today, June 29, with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 pm local time.
The Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, with a capacity of 28,000, will host the highly anticipated clash between India and South Africa.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at the Kensington Oval has been known to produce high-scoring matches, though it offers a slight advantage to pace bowlers over spinners.
Teams winning the toss have opted to field first in five of the eight matches played here, but the results have been mixed.
India’s only game at this venue in the tournament saw them batting first and securing a 47-run victory over Afghanistan. For South Africa, this will be their first match in Bridgetown.
Weather Forecast
Weather has been a disruptive factor throughout the tournament, and the forecast for Bridgetown includes scattered showers, isolated thunderstorms, and cloudy conditions, with an eastwardly breeze.
A tropical storm is expected to approach the island on Sunday, prompting severe weather warnings from the Barbados Meteorological Services.
Contingency Plans
In case of rain delays during the final, a maximum of 190 minutes of extra time has been allocated. Additionally, Sunday, June 30, has been set as the reserve day.
If the match cannot be completed with each team batting a minimum of 10 overs, it will be declared a “no result,” and both teams will be named joint winners.
If the final ends in a tie, it will be decided by a super over, with additional super overs played if necessary until a winner is determined.
Head-to-Head
India holds a narrow lead over South Africa in T20 matches, with 14 wins to South Africa’s 11. In T20 World Cups, India has won four out of five encounters.
The two teams last faced each other in a three-match series in South Africa in December, which ended in a 1-1 draw with one match washed out.
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting this historic showdown, hoping for an uninterrupted and thrilling conclusion to the T20 World Cup 2024.