Ross Taylor (67) and Tom Latham (3) were out there in the middle when it started pouring. The poor form of the New Zealand top order continued amidst overcast conditions in Old Trafford, Manchester.
Umpire Richard Kettleborough pulls the stumps as rain falls during the 2019 Cricket World Cup first semi-final between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on July 9, 2019. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand were 211/5 in 46.1 overs when rains forced the umpires to stop play. Ross Taylor (67) and Tom Latham (3) were out there in the middle when it started pouring. The poor form of the Kiwi top order continued amidst overcast conditions in Old Trafford, Manchester.
Martin Guptill was dismissed for a 14 ball 1 when the team’s score was only 1 run in the first three overs.
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However, after Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Guptill, Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls came in together and steadied the Kiwi ship. The duo put on 68 runs for the second wicket and looked all set for a big partnership when Ravindra Jadeja got the ball to turn and beat Nicholls’ bat to rattle his stumps.
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Post that, New Zealand struggled to boost the run rate and lost wickets at regular intervals with Williamson also departing post his half-century.
It is to be noted here that if New Zealand cannot come out to bat their remaining overs, India’s 20-over target would be 148 while their Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS)-adjusted target for 46 overs would be 237.
All effort would be made to finish the match on the day itself and only if it is deemed not possible will it be taken to the reserve day. The reserve day will be used only as a continuation of the match day and not as a fresh match.
Meanwhile, India would be happy with New Zealand’s score at the moment and would be confident of chasing it down easily.
Kiwi pacers will have a tough task ahead of them to try and pick wickets with the new ball and get India on the backfoot.
For India, each of their five bowlers used picked up a wicket each and have looked efficient as a unit.
It remains to be seen if any overs are reduced or target revised.
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