ICC World Cup 2019 | Scenarios if rain continues to play spoilsport in India vs New Zealand

The Rain Gods decided to pay yet another visit to the 2019 World Cup, as the crunch semi-final encounter between India and New Zealand got interrupted in the 47th over of New Zealand innings. Having seen more matches washed out than all the previous World Cups combined, the fans prepared for the worst ahead of the semi-final clash as the forecast indicated showers during the day. 

However, with New Zealand having batted 46.1 overs already, the DLS method would come into play, and in all likeliness, it doesn't look like New Zealand will come to bat again, thanks to the persistent showers. This would mean that India will be given a revised target to chase, based on the DLS calculations. 

DLS Targets for India provided New Zealand don't bat again

46-over chase : Target - 23720-over chase: Target - 148

Reserve Day implications

If no further play is possible for the day, the two teams will resume the match tomorrow, from where they left, ie with New Zealand 211/5. However, the rules state that the reserve day is to be used as a last resort, meaning the groundsmen and the match referee will do everything within their powers to complete the match tonight, even if it means that it'll be a 20-over chase for India. 

According to the ICC playing conditions rule 13.8.2, "The ICC Match Referee is able to add a further 1 hour of Additional Extra Time (in addition to the 2 hours of extra time already available), if he/she believes that a result (see clause 16.1.1) can no longer be obtained on that day, even after using the available extra time and reducing the number of overs to be played, and that the application of the Additional Extra Time will increase the likelihood of obtaining a result on that day. For clarity, this additional extra time may also be used to allow for the completion of the Super Over."The clause basically means that all the effort will be taken to complete the match within today, and the match could start as late as 12.00 AM IST with India starting a 20-over chase, if the match referee seems that the game could be completed today. Additionally, once the match referee takes the decision to shorten the number of overs (say to 20-overs), it cannot be reverted, and even if the players take the field tomorrow, India will only be chasing a 20-over target. 

With 9.00 PM IST being the cut-off for the reduction of overs and with the primary aim being to finish the game off today, it looks highly likely that we might get a shortened match. A complete washout both today and tomorrow will mean that India will progress to the Final, on the virtue of finishing higher on the points table.