World Cup 2023: What Will Happen If India-New Zealand Semi-Final Gets Washed Out?

Mumbai: The first semi-final of the ODI World Cup 2023 between India and New Zealand is set to be held at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 15. The unbeaten Men in Blue, led by Rohit Sharma, are riding high with nine consecutive wins, while Kane Williamson’s Blackcaps secured their spot with a crucial victory.

Reflecting on the last edition, rain-affected India’s match against New Zealand, resulting in a loss. There’s no rain concern this time, but smoke and haze could pose visibility challenges. What if adverse weather conditions disrupt play? Here’s a breakdown:

1. Reserve Day: Both semi-finals and the final have a reserve day. If play is abandoned on the scheduled day, the reserve day (likely November 16) can be utilized.

2. Cut-off Time and DLS Method: For a day-night match, the cut-off time is 9:30 PM, extendable to 11:30 PM in case of delays. If the match can’t conclude, the DLS Method comes into play for reduced overs.

3. Completion on Reserve Day: If play is halted and overs aren’t lost, an additional 2 hours can be used. If it extends beyond that, the match resumes on the reserve day, continuing from the stopping point.

4. Starting Afresh or Continuing: If no toss occurs on the scheduled day, the match restarts with a toss on the reserve day. If overs were bowled, the match resumes from that count.

5. Reserve Day Activation: The reserve day is used if no result (minimum 20 overs per side) is achievable on the scheduled day.

6. No Play on Reserve Day: If both teams haven’t played 20 overs each even after extended time and the reserve day, it’s declared a no result. The team higher on the points table progresses – in this case, India as table toppers.