While the forecast could put a dampener on the crowd at the MCG, organizers will plow ahead with the starting time of 7 pm (0800 GMT) on Sunday and hope each side can squeeze 10 overs in, the minimum required for the final. If forced to reschedule, the match would start at 3 pm (0400 GMT) on Monday, with players and officials on notice to be prepared to play well into the evening if the weather forces it.

However, Melbourne is known for having “four seasons in one day”, particularly in spring, and forecasts are often wide of the mark.
Pakistan played a full game against India in their Super 12 blockbuster at the MCG despite a dire outlook for rain. Rain was expected on Friday, too, but Pakistan trained under leaden skies at the MCG without ever running for cover.

Pakistan team mentor Matthew Hayden, who accurately predicted struggling captain Babar Azam would return to form with the bat in the semi-final against New Zealand, was banking on the weather to cooperate. “Today there was a great chance of rain and here we are,” Hayden told reporters at the MCG.

“The wicket looks excellent… Who knows the weather here in Melbourne? “On the day, I’m sure that Melbourne is going to open up enough to have a 10-over match.”