AUS vs SA, LIVE climate updates, World Cup 2023 semifinal: Drizzle stops in Kolkata; Toss, Playing XI at 1:30 PM IST

Ayan Acharya: The covers come off the sq. for the second time at this time. Was a precautionary measure anyway because the gamers and broadcasters by no means actually left the sphere of play.

“The square is under cover again as it starts to drizzle. Not heavy enough for players to go off as they continue training,” says Ayan from Eden Gardens.

“With exactly an hour to go for the toss, the groundsmen swing into action. Covers coming off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Covers are coming off the square now,” Ayans tells us.

Umpires will make each doable try to finish the match on the scheduled day. If play is interrupted on the scheduled day, the umpires will use additional time and cut back the variety of overs to attempt to obtain a consequence. Each crew should bat for at least 20 overs for a consequence to be achieved. If play has not resumed by the cut-off time required to permit the minimal variety of overs, play shall be deserted for the day and the Reserve Day shall be used.

“Fans have slowly started to trickle in while the covers remain firmly in place with just over an hour to go for the toss. No rain yet,” says Ayan.

“It’s very overcast now. Whole ground is under covers. It’s not raining now. But can’t rule out a late start,” Ayan tells us from the Kolkata.

The Australia vs South Africa semifinal match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM IST in Kolkata. The toss is meant to be held at 1:30 PM IST.

Our reporter from the venue Ayan Acharya tells us that it has began drizzling in Kolkata.

The winner of the match will face India on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The Men in Blue booked their spot within the ultimate after thrashing New Zealand by 70 runs within the first semifinal in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Australia and South Africa will face off within the second semifinal of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 on the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday.