The England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup final was in danger of being completely wiped out due to the forecasted severe rain in Melbourne on Sunday and Monday. As a result, the International Cricket Council (ICC) acted quickly.

On Sunday, the final is scheduled to occur at Melbourne Cricket Ground, however, there is an 80% probability of rain. Although it has decreased from the 95% projection made on Friday, it is still too high to anticipate a full 20 overs of cricket.

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There is a backup day for the final on Monday, but the worst part is that thundershowers are expected even then. The ICC has agreed to extend the playing time on the reserve day from two hours to four, taking into account all of these issues.

“The Event Technical Committee (ETC) has increased the provision of additional playing time on the reserve day to four hours from the original provision of two hours (clause 13.7.3 of the Playing Conditions), in case more time is required to complete the match and get a result,” ICC said in a statement.

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On the reserve day, play can begin at 9:30 IST if necessary to finish the final. The additional time has been added because ICC knockouts require a minimum of 10 overs for each side rather than the customary five to be deemed complete.

Notably, the reserve day will only be applied if Sunday cannot yield the required number of overs. Even if it takes playing a 10-overs-a-side battle, the match officials will do all in their power to secure a result on Sunday. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the game will resume on Monday where it left off on Sunday.

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“It may be noted that 10 overs per side are required to constitute a match in the knockout stage and every effort will be taken to complete the match on the scheduled match day, with any necessary reduction of overs taking place. Only if the minimum number of overs necessary to constitute a match cannot be bowled on Sunday will the match go into the reserve day. Play on the reserve day will begin at 1500h (9:30 AM IST) and would be a continuation of play from the scheduled match day,” the ICC statement added.