World Cup 2023 Final: What happens if rain interrupts India-Australia clash ?

The grand finale of the 13th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup is upon us, featuring hosts India and five-time champions Australia in an epic final showdown in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India stands as the sole unbeaten team in the tournament, securing ten victories in as many matches, including a noteworthy six-wicket win over Australia in their tournament opener in Chennai.

Australia, in contrast, commenced their campaign with consecutive defeats, succumbing to South Africa in Lucknow after the loss to India. However, they rebounded impressively with eight consecutive wins, earning their place in the World Cup final for the eighth time

The playing conditions for the final, including rain interruptions, remain consistent with those for the semi-finals. A 'Reserve Day' is in place on Monday in case of a washout on Sunday, allowing ample time for a conclusive result

In the event of a prolonged interruption, the ICC's rules stipulate two hours of additional time without deducting overs. Beyond this period, overs will be deducted based on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (one over for every five minutes lost)

The Reserve Day will only be activated if the scheduled day fails to witness the minimum required overs (20, according to the ICC) to constitute a match. The contentious boundary-count rule has been discarded for this edition

Notably, in case of a washout even after two days, the team with a higher standing at the end of the group stage will claim the trophy. The Men in Blue, with nine wins and the best Net Run Rate (+2.570), would hold the advantage in this scenario.