Who will win T20 World Cup 2026 if India vs New Zealand final is washed out? Is there any reserve day? Here are the rules

As the excitement for the T20 World Cup 2026 final reaches its peak with less than 24 hours to go for the match, a lingering query stays in the back of every fan's mind: what happens if the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium gets washed out? While India is chasing a historic third championship and New Zealand is chasing their maiden T20I title, the ICC has a strict set of rules to guarantee a champion.

The "rain rule" roadmap: What happens if it pours?

Unlike group-stage games, where a 5-over-per-side game is enough for a result, the ICC has increased the stakes for the knockout games of the tournament.

1. The 10-Over minimum

To get a result in the final match, both teams must play for a minimum of 10 overs. If the rain gets in between the match, the match officials will have an additional 120 minutes (2 hours) of extra time to get the game finished for a result.

Read also: Suryakumar Yadav fires back at Mitchell Santner’s ‘Silence the crowd’ claim ahead of IND vs NZ final.

2. The reserve day (March 9)

Yes, we do have a reserve day for the final. If the match cannot be completed on Sunday, the action will then shift to the reserve day on Monday, March 9.

However, the match will not restart from the start. It will resume exactly from where it was stopped on Sunday.

For example, if India is 130/2 in 12 overs on Sunday before the rain stays, they will start Monday at 130/2 from the first ball of the 13th over.

Read also: 4 talking points from Mitchell Santner's press conference ahead of India vs New Zealand, T20 WC 2026 final.

3. The "shared trophy" scenario

In the case that the reserve day is washed out and the 10-over-per-side minimum isn't met, India and New Zealand will be declared joint winners.

This has not happened in the history of the T20 World Cup, but it happened only once in a major ICC final when India and Sri Lanka shared the 2022 ICC Champions Trophy.

Weather report

The good news for the fans is that the chance of rain in Ahmedabad is practically 0%. However, the players will face the scorching heat of around 40°C. The temperature will drop to a more manageable 23°C during the evening, potentially introducing dew as a major tactical factor for the toss-winning captain.

Read also: 'Rely on the finer aspects': Ravi Ashwin gives tactical advice to Varun Chakaravarthy ahead of the T20 WC final.

How to watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match online?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.