The covers are on under grey skies as rain stops play in the 2019 Cricket World Cup first semi-final between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on July 9, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
Cricket World Cup: What happens if rain affects the semis or final?
Rain has wreaked havoc on the Cricket World Cup semifinalists between India and New Zealand. Here’s what happens if no more play is possible for the rest of the day.
The covers are on under grey skies as rain stops play in the 2019 Cricket World Cup first semi-final between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on July 9, 2019. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
If ever there was an element of nature which could be labelled the enemy of cricket, then it’s definitely rain and, with the 2019 Cricket World Cup being held in England, it was always bound to pay an unwanted visit or two on matchday.
With the round robin phase of the tournament done and dusted, rain has affected seven matches, with four ending in a No Result, and three calling upon the mathematic conundrum of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. Two of the abandoned matches were deserted without a ball being bowled.
The wet weather has not let up, and the first semifinal, between India and New Zealand, faces the threat of being abandoned – should the persistent rain at Old Trafford not stop before the cut-off time, 21:00 (SAST).
Before the heavens opened, India managed to send through 46 overs, and the Black Caps crawled to 211 for the loss of five wickets.
How reserve days work in the Cricket World Cup
The reserve days come into effect from the semifinals, and also apply in the grand finale.
Should play be deemed not possible on the original match day, play will continue on the reserve day, which is the day after, using the same starting time as the previous day.
According to the International Cricket Council, the reserve day will be a continuation, not a restart. This means that in India vs New Zealand’s case, the batting side will have to return to the crease to finish the remaining overs.
Only in a case where there was no possible play on the original match day will the two teams in action play a full 50-over match on the reserve day.
In case no play is possible on the reserve day
This is where dominance in the pool stage will pay off for one team, as whoever will progress to the final will be determined by who finished higher up in the table.
This means that, should the India vs New Zealand match be abandoned completely, the 2011 champions would go through to the last two by virtue of finishing top of the points table.
In the second semifinal, Australia are at an advantage over England, thanks to finishing second.
In any case, ticket-holders are advised to keep their tickets dry, as they will still be valid on the reserve day.
