ICC World Cup 2019: What if the semi-finals get washed out?

After an eventful final day in the league phase of World Cup 2019, India topped the points table as they finished with 15 points while Australia settled with 14 points after their defeat against South Africa. India will now face New Zealand in the first semi-final at the Old Trafford while the hosts England will take on Australia in the 2nd semi-final at the Edgbaston. Both India and England will be happier sides considering the match-ups and the venues.

India has dominated New Zealand in the recent past and the Manchester pitch neutralizes the swing threat from the Kiwi pacers. On the other hand, England will face the Aussies in Birmingham, a venue that has had demons for the defending champions. Australia last won an ODI at this venue in 1993 and any International match in 2001. In fact, England won each of their last ten International games they played at Edgbaston.

What if the rain spoils the play in the semi-finals?

The first half of the World Cup 2019 was often spoiled by rain. A total of four matches were washed out including three without even a possibility of the toss. However, the English weather got drier over the last few weeks as the games have hardly got interrupted. However, there are warning signs considering the forecasts for the semi-final matches. There is a probability of 40% of rain chances during the first semi-final to be played on Tuesday in Manchester.

On the other hand, the second semi-final to be hosted by Birmingham on Thursday has a 30% chance of rain. The good news is both the games have reserve days unlike during the league matches. The weather is better on reserve day compared to that of the actual match day. In the worst possible case of both teams not playing 20 overs even after going into the reserve day, Super Over could be adopted to decide which team will go through to the final.

The Super Over should be played inside the allotted extra time which is applicable in case of the actual game ending in a Tie. If the Super Over is also not possible, the team that has finished higher in the points table goes forward. This means India and Australia will face in finals if both the semi-finals get washed out without a result and even a Super Over.