Navi Mumbai is experiencing a soggy start to the highly anticipated Women's World Cup Final between India and South Africa. The toss, initially scheduled to take place before the match, has been delayed due to a wet outfield at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.
Heavy rain lashed parts of Mumbai just hours before the game. Covers are currently spread across the field, with efforts being made to keep them from blowing away in the gusty winds. The latest update indicates the toss is now scheduled for 3:00 PM local time, with the match expected to begin at 3:30 PM, provided there are no further rain interruptions.
Cricket fans are anxiously awaiting the start of what promises to be a historic clash. This final holds immense significance for both India and South Africa, with the potential to be a watershed moment for women's sports in both nations. However, the weather in Navi Mumbai remains a concern.
Accuweather.com had initially predicted clear weather leading up to the scheduled start; however, current forecasts suggest a 63% chance of rain in the city, with a 13% chance of thunderstorms. Intermittent rain is expected to impact the match, potentially leading to a stop-start game.
The ICC has made provisions to accommodate weather disruptions. A reserve day has been scheduled for Monday, November 3rd, in case the match cannot be completed today. Every effort will be made to complete the game on the official day, even if it means reducing the number of overs. To declare a winner, both teams need to play a minimum of 20 overs each.
If a 50-over game is interrupted by rain on the scheduled final day and reduced in overs, and no further play occurs, the match will revert to a 50-over game when it resumes on the reserve day. If play resumes on the designated day after overs are reduced, and rain returns, the reduction of overs will carry over to the reserve day. In the event that rain washes out the reserve day as well, both teams will be declared joint winners and will share the trophy.
The D.Y. Patil Stadium has a sand-based outfield, which aids in quick water absorption, allowing play to resume relatively quickly after the rain stops and the ground is dried.
All eyes are on the sky as fans hope for a break in the weather to witness what promises to be an exciting final.
