With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 reaching its climax, Team India is gearing up to face England in the second semi-final on Thursday, June 27, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
India have been phenomenal so far, winning every game on their way to the semi-finals. Rohit Sharma and his men put up convincing performances against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super 8s. They will be high on confidence coming into the semi-final.
Defending champions England also stand in their way, having secured two wins out of three matches in the Super 8s. After starting their campaign with a washed-out game against Scotland and a defeat against Australia, Jos Buttler’s team has been dominant.
The Weather Threat
While the past and an ICC trophy drought since 2013 pose challenges, the threat of rain looms larger over this crucial semi-final, with no reserve day in place. There is a significant possibility of passing showers disrupting the marquee clash in Guyana.
On that note, here are three past instances where India’s knockout matches in ICC events were affected by rain.
#3 India vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand was scheduled for July 9, 2019, at Old Trafford in Manchester. Winning the toss, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson elected to bat first.
New Zealand reached 211/5 in 47 overs with Williamson scoring a crucial 95-ball 67. Ross Taylor supported him with a 90-ball 74. However, persistent rain stopped play in the 47th over.
With a reserve day in place, the match resumed on July 10, with New Zealand eventually posting 239/8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up three wickets for India.
In reply, India were bowled out for 221, falling agonizingly short by 18 runs and crashing out of the World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja’s 77 and MS Dhoni’s 50-run knock went in vain as the Kiwis progressed to the final. This match also marked Dhoni’s last ODI for India, ending on a disappointing note.
#2 India vs New Zealand, ICC World Test Championship Final, 2021
India and New Zealand faced off in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in 2021. The historic clash at The Rose Bowl in Southampton began on June 18.
Unavoidable rain and bad light affected play on all five days, bringing the reserve day into play. Continuous showers also favored the fast bowlers, with plenty of assistance off the surface.
The first day was completely washed out, and India managed to reach 146/3 by the end of Day 2. They were eventually bundled out for 217, with New Zealand reaching 101/3 by the close of play on Day 3. The fourth day was entirely washed out again. New Zealand posted a first innings total of 249, gaining a 32-run lead.
On day five, India got to 64/2 before being skittled out for 170 on the final day. Chasing 140, New Zealand won with eight wickets to spare, becoming the first-ever ICC World Test champions.
#1 India vs England, ICC Champions Trophy, 2013
The final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 is the only memorable rain-affected knockout game for India on this list.
MS Dhoni and Co. faced host England in the final at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Persistent rain reduced the 50-over final to a 20-over affair.
Vital knocks from Virat Kohli (43) and Ravindra Jadeja (33) helped India post 129/7 in difficult conditions.* India’s bowlers rose to the challenge, picking up wickets from the start of England’s chase.
The hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually held at 124/8, as India scripted a thrilling five-run win to be crowned champions. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ishant Sharma claimed two wickets apiece.
As the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final approaches, India will hope to avoid the rain curse and continue their unbeaten run.
