As India prepares to face New Zealand in the first semifinal of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, memories of the 2019 edition’s rain-affected semifinal against the same opponent resurface. With concerns about the weather lingering, fans hope history doesn’t repeat itself.
In the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal, India faced New Zealand in a rain-interrupted match that eventually led to their defeat. The threat of rain had cast a shadow over the game, and intermittent showers resulted in overs being reduced. The match eventually spilled into the reserve day, where India fell short by 18 runs after the play resumed.
Fast forward to the present, and the apprehension about weather interference remains. However, a glimmer of hope shines for cricket enthusiasts and those planning to attend the Wankhede showdown. According to Accuweather, the weather on Wednesday is predicted to be “very warm with hazy sunshine.” The probability of precipitation is minimal at 1 percent, with zero chances of a thunderstorm.
Despite the optimistic forecast, the unpredictability of the weather makes it impossible to rule out the risk of rain entirely. If rain does disrupt the semifinal, the match will initially see a reduction in overs until the cut-off time is reached. In the event that constant rain persists, the game will be moved to the reserve day – Thursday, as per the ICC’s revised playing conditions for knockout matches.
Should the reserve day also be affected by rain, the Duckworth-Lewis method will come into play to determine the winner. This method applies if the team batting second has completed a certain number of overs. In case the Duckworth-Lewis method is deemed inapplicable, the team positioned higher in the points table will advance to the final. In this scenario, India, having finished at the top after winning all nine league games, would secure a spot in their third World Cup final, leaving fourth-placed New Zealand behind.
‘I Am Never Going To Be As Good As Him’, Virat Kohli Outstanding Statement After Equalling Sachin’s 49th Hundred Record
As cricket fans eagerly anticipate the high-stakes clash between India and New Zealand, the weather remains a key player in the unfolding drama. While the forecast appears promising, the sport’s unpredictability, especially in the face of rain, adds an element of suspense. Whether the game unfolds seamlessly or encounters weather-induced hurdles, fans can expect an enthralling battle for a spot in the 2023 World Cup final.
