Cricket enthusiasts across India are holding their breath, not just for the high-stakes ICC Women’s World Cup final between India and South Africa, but also for the unpredictable Mumbai weather. Set to take place at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai this Sunday, the match could be significantly impacted by rain. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team is on the verge of making history, but mother nature might just play a spoilsport in what promises to be an epic title clash.
The latest forecast indicates a 25–50% chance of showers throughout the afternoon and evening. High humidity and variable cloudiness mean that stop-start conditions are quite possible. Temperatures are expected to reach 34°C, dropping to 25°C at night.
Despite the looming rain, fans can find comfort in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) thorough provisions designed to ensure a fair outcome for the final. A dedicated reserve day, scheduled for Monday, November 3, has been set aside in case rain completely washes out play on Sunday.
Should rain interrupt the match on Sunday, officials will prioritize completing the game on the same day, even if it means reducing the number of overs. According to ICC regulations, a minimum of 20 overs per side must be played for a result to be declared. If this isn’t possible, the match will seamlessly resume on the reserve day from the exact point it was halted.
Here’s a breakdown of the ICC’s contingency plans:
- If rain stops play and the match cannot be finished on Sunday, it will continue on Monday from where it left off.
- Should a shortened match resume and then be interrupted again, the revised overs target will carry over to the reserve day.
- In the event that the reserve day also sees no play, India and South Africa will share the coveted trophy as joint winners, marking an unprecedented moment in Women’s World Cup history.
With a record-breaking crowd anticipated and both teams vying for their first-ever title, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad, energized by their thrilling semi-final victory over seven-time champions Australia, is ready to seize this momentous occasion – provided the weather in Navi Mumbai cooperates.
For now, all eyes remain on the skies as cricket and rain prepare for a dramatic encounter alongside India and South Africa’s pursuit of destiny.