Rain Threatens India-West Indies T20 Series Decider in Bengaluru
BENGALURU — Heavy rain could disrupt the fifth and final T20 International between India and the West Indies on Saturday, raising concerns that the series decider at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium could be washed out.
With the five-match series tied 2-2, both teams are preparing for a crucial contest following four high-scoring matches. However, persistent rainfall and waterlogging in Bengaluru have cast uncertainty over whether the game can proceed as scheduled.
Rain lashed the city Friday, and forecasts indicate that unsettled weather could continue through the weekend.
According to AccuWeather forecasts cited Friday, Bengaluru faces a 90% chance of precipitation Saturday, with rain becoming increasingly likely during the afternoon and evening.
The forecast places the probability of rain at 11% around noon, increasing to 34% over the following two hours and reaching 40% by 3 p.m.
Conditions are expected to deteriorate later in the afternoon, with rain probabilities climbing to 68% and 71% during the next two hours.
At 6 p.m., approximately one hour before the scheduled start, the chance of rain is forecast at 49%, rising to 64% at 7 p.m.
The likelihood of rainfall is expected to remain significant throughout the evening, potentially disrupting play or delaying the start.
The weather concerns come after an entertaining series in which both teams have produced impressive batting performances.
India opened the series with a successful chase of 172 in Lucknow before the West Indies responded by chasing a formidable target of 250 in Ranchi.
The hosts regained the advantage in the third match in Indore, defending a total of 223 and securing a 14-run victory.
However, the West Indies leveled the series in Hyderabad, where India fell 24 runs short while attempting to chase 248 in the fourth T20I.
The results have set up a winner-take-all encounter in Bengaluru, where the relatively small boundaries and batting-friendly conditions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium have historically produced high-scoring matches, particularly in the Indian Premier League.
Another run-heavy contest could be in store if weather conditions permit.
With both teams having demonstrated their batting strength throughout the series, Saturday’s match is expected to provide a competitive conclusion, although the possibility of rain remains the biggest concern for players and fans. (Source: IANS)
