Toss gains added importance after Mohali rains

Staff ReportMOHALI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced if the rain continued in Chandigarh, making it impossible for the two teams to face off, then the match will take place Thursday morning. However, if rains continued during the daytime, then a 20-over match may take place between the two sides, instead of complete 50 overs.It should be mentioned here that several hours before the long-awaited high-voltage match between Pakistan and India, heavy downpours accompanied with thunder storm and gale-force winds lashed Chandigarh and the areas near the Mohali stadium, imparting more importance to toss on the grassy wickets of Punjab Stadium.The downpours are expected to offer advantage to Pakistan, as Mohali wickets are supporting. If the rain prevents the match to happen for two consecutive days, then ICC rule will apply. The rule is: “If following a tie, weather conditions prevent the one over eliminator from being completed, or if the match is a no result, then the team that finished in the higher position in the Group stage shall proceed to the final.”Basing on this ICC rule, Pakistan will ultimately cruise into final for having better position in its group without any semi-final face-off. SAMAA