The T20 World Cup 2024 has reached the semi-final stage after an intense finish to the Super Eight phase. Afghanistan secured a thrilling victory against Bangladesh in St Vincent to knock out Australia and advance to the next round. The four semi-finalists have been confirmed: Group 2 winners South Africa will face off against Afghanistan in the first semi-final, while Group 1 leaders India will take on England in the second semi-final.
The first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan is scheduled to begin at 8.30pm local time on Wednesday, June 26, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The second semi-final featuring India and England will kick off at 10.30am local time on Thursday, June 27, at Guyana’s Providence Stadium. India had been assigned the second semi-final match in Guyana prior to the tournament, regardless of their performance in the Super Eight stage.
The playing conditions for the two semi-finals differ. The second semi-final between India and England will not have a reserve day due to the single day gap between that match and the final. Each semi-final has a total of 250 minutes of additional time available. The first semi-final will have an extra 60 minutes at the end of the day’s play and an additional 190 minutes on the reserve day, starting at 2pm local time. The second semi-final will utilize the full 250 minutes on the scheduled day since there is no reserve day.
Furthermore, to constitute a complete game in the semi-finals and final, both teams must bat a minimum of 10 overs per innings, compared to five overs in the earlier stages of the tournament. This rule could have a significant impact as there are forecasted rain showers at both venues. In the event of a washout, the team that finished higher in their respective Super Eight groups – India and South Africa – will progress. If the final is abandoned due to poor weather, the two finalists will be declared joint winners.