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South Africa and the West Indies went toe-to-toe in the first 22 overs of their all-important 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight clash in Antigua on Sunday, June 23. Chasing a moderate 136 for victory, the Proteas were reeling at 15/2 in two overs when rain intervened.
Heavy showers halted play with the ground immediately covered, leaving doubts over the rest of the contest. According to the ICC regulations for the 2024 T20 World Cup, both teams must have played at least five over for a result to be constituted.
It means there needs to be at least another three overs to be bowled in the South African batting innings for a result. Should play neither continue or another three overs not be completed, the match will be deemed a washout and both teams will share a point each.
In the 22 overs of action thus far, fortunes ebbed and flowed from one team to the other. The West Indies were rocked early at 5/2 in the second over with Shai Hope and Nicholas Pooran being the batters dismissed.
Yet, an 81-run third-wicket partnership between Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase injected life into the West Indian innings. It was then the Proteas' turn to strike back as they reduced the Caribbean side from 86/2 to 97/6 in no time.
Eventually, the innings ended with the West Indies settling for a sub-par 135/8 in 20 overs. Champion all-rounder Andre Russell struck twice in his opening over to have South Africa two down early when the clouds opened up.
How will a washout impact the 2024 T20 World Cup Semi-final qualification?
Unfortunately for the West Indian fans, a washout (no further play or under five overs of the South African innings only possible) will eliminate them from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With England already booking their spot in the final four from Group 2 of the Super Eight, the South Africa-West Indies clash was a virtual quarter-final.
However, the Proteas being on four points to West Indies' two points despite a lower rate means they will finish on five with the co-hosts on three in case of a washout. The final table will see South Africa finish atop the group on five points, while England will be second on four and the West Indies third on three.
As things stand, the rain has cleared up but the ground is yet to be in playing condition for resumption.
