Australia has qualified for the World Cup semi-finals, but India’s unpredictable weather is threatening to derail their campaign.
Pat Cummins’ men, who finished third on the World Cup standings after registering seven wins during the group stage, will face South Africa in the second semi-final at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Thursday. The Proteas, who also recorded seven wins, placed second on the standings due to their superior net run rate.
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However, wet weather is predicted to hit Kolkata next week, with rain expected to arrive on Thursday and Friday. According to Weather.com, there is a 30 per cent chance of rain on Thursday and a 40 per cent chance on Friday.
If the semi-final cannot be completed on Thursday due to weather, the reserve day on Friday will be activated, with the match resuming from where it left off.
However, South Africa will progress through to the final if the match ends as a washout.
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The final, to be played at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, will also have a reserve day if required.
During the 2019 World Cup in England, the Black Caps progressed through to the final after defeating India on the reserve day of their semi-final.
South Africa defeated Australia during their group-stage clash, a thumping 134-run victory in Lucknow, also winning September’s bilateral ODI series 3-2.
Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who missed Saturday’s group-stage match against Bangladesh, is expected to return for the must-win semi-final.
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