The prospect of an unprecedented shared T20 World Cup title is looming with an inclement weather forecast for Sunday in Melbourne threatening to wash out the final between England and Pakistan. In what would be a first for cricket, the 2022 finalists could be crowned joint world champions if rain hits the MCG as expected over the weekend and lingers into Monday.
There is a 95% chance of rain in Melbourne on Sunday, with up to 25mm predicted to fall by the Bureau of Meteorology, and a chance of a possibly severe thunderstorm. Play is scheduled to start at 7pm AEDT (8am GMT) but with a washout possible, the game could spill over to the reserve day on Monday, when play would start at 3pm local time.
Unfortunately for the tournament organisers, the ICC, the forecast then is only marginally better with slightly less rainfall expected, but still with a chance of another thunderstorm.
If rain prevents any prospect of play, England and a resurgent Pakistan face the bizarre situation of being forced to share the trophy in what would be an underwhelming and disappointing conclusion to the tournament.
To constitute a match, a minimum of 10 overs is required per team, unlike the group stage when only five overs per side were needed to complete a game. If play starts on Sunday and is later stopped the game will resume on Monday from where it left off.
Melbourne has an indoor venue, Marvel Stadium, only 5km away from the MCG but there is no chance the ICC will consider moving the game to the Docklands ground.
It comes after three games at the MCG during the group stage were abandoned due to wet weather without a ball being bowled – including Australia’s showdown with England – and another match was shortened because of rain.
