The knockout stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is here. The tournament is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. Now, only four teams remain.
India, South Africa, New Zealand and England have reached the semi-finals. The first semi-final will be played on March 4. South Africa will face New Zealand at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The second semi-final will take place on March 5. India will play England at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Rain has already affected matches in this tournament. One Super Eight game between Pakistan and New Zealand was washed out. It ended in a No Result. Both teams shared points. But the rules are different in knockout matches.
How the Reserve Day Rule Works
There is a reserve day for both semi-finals and the final. This rule is in place to make sure rain does not decide big matches.
If the first semi-final on March 4 is washed out, it will be played on March 5. If the second semi-final on March 5 cannot be completed, it will move to March 6.
If a match starts on the original day but stops due to rain, it will not restart from zero. The game will continue on the reserve day from the same point. The runs scored, wickets lost and overs bowled will remain the same.
To get a result in a T20 match, at least 10 overs per side must be completed.
If rain washes out both the match day and the reserve day, the team that finished higher in the Super Eight standings will move to the final.
This rule ensures that weather does not unfairly end a team’s World Cup journey.
