Shamik Chakrabarty in Navi Mumbai
In the western suburbs of Mumbai, it was pouring since morning. Until midday on Sunday, Navi Mumbai had kept the inclement weather at arm’s length. Eventually, the region’s luck ran out.
Closer to the toss, as India and South Africa were gearing up to play the final of the Women’s World Cup here at DY Patil Stadium, the heavens opened up. It was, in fact, a slow burn — a drizzle that increased steadily and turned into a downpour. The toss was initially delayed to 3 pm, which obviously couldn’t take place. At the time of going to print, it was still raining. DY Patil Stadium has a good drainage system, but the pitter-patter needs to subside first. There’s a reserve day for the final on Monday, but the weather forecast is a dampener.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for three districts in Maharashtra. Moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, has been predicted until Wednesday. Two low-pressure systems and an active sea depression have converged over the Arabian Sea.
Until five o’clock in the evening, the final won’t lose any overs. After that, the curtailment will begin. The cut-off time for a 20-over-a-side game is 9.38 pm. Beyond that, the game will go to the reserve day.
On the streets, the fans, however, are braving the rain. Replica Team India shirts, which didn’t have many takers until the semi-final, are being sold for Rs 300 each. A group of boys wearing India shirts with Virat printed on the back were berated by an elderly gentleman: “This is the women’s final. Why are you wearing the Virat shirts? It should have been Smriti Mandhana instead.”
The Jemimah Rodrigues effect has given women’s cricket in India a new lease of life. It would be a shame if rain plays spoilsport.
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