The semi-final match between India and New Zealand at the Old Trafford in Manchester was interrupted by rains. After winning the toss, New Zealand had decided to bat and they were 211/5 in 46.1 overs when play was suspended due to rains. Although there’s a reserve day for the semi-final match to conclude in case the game is not able to resume today, India’s task may get complicated under the Duckworth Lewis method.
The BCCI informed on Twitter that ‘in the event of poor weather, for example, steps will be taken to be able to finish the match that day e.g. reducing the number of overs down to the minimum of 20 overs per team needed to achieve a result, or by extending the match by up to 120 min.’ It further added, “If there is still no result on the scheduled match day, play will continue on the Reserve Day, using the same start time and hours of play as the scheduled match day.”
The reserve day will be a continuation and not a restart, assuming play commenced on the original match day, meaning the score from the original match day will be carried through to the reserve day.
Cricket statistician Mohandas Menon tweeted, giving us different scenarios. Under the Duckworth Lewis method if the rain continues to play spoilsport, he wrote, “In case New Zealand doesn’t bat again, India’s target in 46 overs will be 237, 40 overs will be 223, 35 overs will be 209, 30 overs will be 192, 25 overs will be 172, 20 overs will be 148.”
In case New Zealand doesn’t bat again, India’s target in
46 overs will be 237
40 overs will be 223
35 overs will be 209
30 overs will be 192
25 overs will be 172
20 overs will be 148#IndvNZ #NZvInd#CWC19 #CWC2019— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 9, 2019
New Zealand were the only team that India could not play as their earlier match was called off due to rains. Indian bowlers really looked in great touch as they bowled tight lines on Tuesday restricting the Kiwis from scoring freely. With Ravindra Jadeja in the side, India now have recognised batsmen until number eight in the batting order. This could be key in India’s ability to defeat New Zealand.
Meanwhile, the match between India and New Zealand was called off and will resume on Wednesday, The Kiwis will start their innings from 211-5.
But, if today’s match is also washed out due to the rain, then India will qualify for the final since it had accumulated the most points in the league stage. Likewise, Australia will book a place in the final if their match against England too is washed out due to rains in Birmingham because they too have more points from the league stage than the hosts.