T20 World Cup: Pre-final excitement of overseas Pakistanis takes Melbourne by storm
England and Pakistan will be poring over weather charts as well as tactics in the lead-up to the final
MELBOURNE: Pakistani fans are over the moon as their team is going to play against England in ICC T20 World Cup 2022's final here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) today.
Before the mega finale contest, Pakistanis came out on the streets in numbers to enjoy the cricket festivity.
From local Pakistanis to visitors, all celebrated Pakistan's qualification to the final of the T20 World Cup after 13 years.
Dozens of Pakistanis, donning green team's jerseys, were seen on the streets in groups and they shared their excitement for the grand finale.
Local Pakistani restaurants turned green and Pakistan's national songs were deafening.
A couple of fans shared their excitement with this correspondent and ensured that the victory celebration today will be bigger than this.
"We are too excited for the final," a fan talked to Geo.tv. "We will go to the stadium to watch the final. If Pakistan wins, the celebration will be bigger than this. The streets will look similar to the ones in Karachi and Lahore," he added.
Rain threatens to ruin 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.”
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