As the stage is set for the first semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, all eyes are on the showdown between India and New Zealand at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 15, 2023. However, amid the excitement, there’s a lingering concern—the threat of rain that could potentially wash away this much-anticipated clash.
Sitting comfortably at the top of the points table with an impressive 18 points and a net run rate of (+)2.570, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian Cricket team has showcased dominance, remaining undefeated in the League Stage. On the other side, New Zealand, placed fourth in the points table, has displayed resilience, steering through challenges to secure a spot among the top four.
ICC’s Contingency Plan: What If the Match is Abandoned?
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a sunny day in Mumbai on the semi-final day, with a minimum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius. However, the cricketing community is on edge as the spectre of rain threatens to cast a dampener on this thrilling encounter.
Proactively addressing the potential impact of rain, the ICC has implemented a contingency plan for both the semi-finals and finals. A reserve day is scheduled, and if rain persists, the rules stipulate that the team leading the points table will claim the final berth.
The ‘What If’ Scenario: India’s Fate Based on Points and NRR
In the unfortunate event of a washout, the rules dictate that the team higher on the points table in the tournament stage will proceed to the final. With India’s stellar performance in the league stage, boasting a net run rate of (+)2.570, they would secure the final spot in case the weather gods intervene.
As cricket fans brace themselves for a monumental clash, the weather remains an unpredictable factor that could influence the fate of the India vs New Zealand semi-final. While hopes are high for an uninterrupted spectacle, the ‘what if’ scenarios add an extra layer of suspense to the cricketing extravaganza.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
