The toss for the highly-anticipated T20 World Cup final between Pakistan and England has been moved forward due to a musical show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The toss, which was initially set to take place 12:30pm (PST), will now be held eight minutes earlier at 12:22pm (PST).
A fireworks display has also been planned after the conclusion of the match.
It must be noted that Pakistan defeated New Zealand and England outclassed India in the semis to qualify for the final.
England and Pakistan's staff will be poring over weather charts as well as tactics in the lead up to the final, with a gloomy forecast threatening to scupper the decider at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Heavy rain is expected on Sunday's match-day and also the reserve day on Monday as a multi-year La Nina weather phenomenon continues to drench much of eastern Australia.
The tournament has already seen a slew of Super 12 matches washed out, though the semi-finals passed without disruption in Sydney and Adelaide.
While the forecast could put a dampener on the crowd at the MCG, organisers will plough ahead with the starting time of 1pm (PST) on Sunday and hope each side can squeeze 10 overs in, the minimum required for the final.
If forced to reschedule, the match would start at 9am (PST) on Monday.
Additional time will also be provided to complete the match on the reserve day if rain disrupts the finale.
“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,” the ICC stated on Friday.
“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.
“Every effort will be made for the match to be completed on Sunday, with any necessary reduction of overs taking place and 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 would be a continuation from the scheduled match day.”
Comments