Women's T20 World Cup 2024 to debut Smart Replay System
The 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, set to commence on October 3 in the UAE, will be the first International Cricket Council (ICC) event to incorporate the Smart Replay System. This innovative technology has been previously utilized in The Hundred and Indian Premier League 2024. According to an ICC release, "The coverage will feature a minimum of 28 cameras at every game, and will be complemented by a variety of analytical and visual enhancements."
Smart replay system to enhance decision-making process
The Smart Replay System is designed to enhance the Decision Review System (DRS) by providing the TV umpire with synchronized multi-angle footage for precise decision-making. The system operates through direct inputs from two Hawk-Eye operators who will be present in the same room as the umpire. These operators will supply images captured by Hawk-Eye's eight high-speed cameras positioned around the ground, eliminating the need for a TV broadcast director as an intermediary.
Smart replay system ensures more accurate footage
Previously, broadcasters would show side-on angles from each side along with footage from Stump Cam. However, Stump Cam records action at a slower speed of approximately 50 frames per second, compared to the Hawk-Eye cameras which record at around 300 frames per second. This means that the new system will provide more accurate footage for umpires to base their decisions on, thereby improving the overall decision-making process in cricket matches.
New system offers enhanced visuals for umpires
The Smart Replay System offers the TV umpire access to more visuals than before, including split-screen images. In situations of a stumping referral, the TV umpire can request split-screen visuals from the Hawk-Eye operators. This new approach will display tri-vision footage to the TV umpire - a combination of side-on and front-on camera angles in one frame. The front-on angle is crucial as it accurately depicts when bails are removed.
Top 10 women's teams to compete in group stage
The tournament will display the talent of the world's top 10 women's teams, divided into two groups. Group A consists of the defending champions Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Group B has Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland. Every team will play four matches within their group, and the top two teams from each group will move on to the semi-finals.
Key details about the tourney and opening matches
The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup will commence from October 3 and run till October 20. Originally set to take place in Bangladesh, the tournament got moved due to some political unrest in the country. Now, this prestigious event will feature 23 exciting matches, with the world's top women's cricket teams vying for glory. Bangladesh face Scotland in Sharjah on October 3 at 3:30pm IST. Pakistan then take on Sri Lanka at 7:30pm IST.
