World Cup semi to resume Wednesday

The Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand will resume on Wednesday's reserve day following heavy rain at Old Trafford.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat, reaching 211-5 after 46.1 overs when the players were forced off the field at around 14:00 local time (13:00 GMT).

Light but persistent showers continued throughout the afternoon and though the umpires inspected the pitch at 18:10, heavier rain arrived at that point and the covers were summoned back on.

Play had to resume by 18:36 for a conclusion to be reached on Tuesday, with India needing to bat at least 20 overs for a result.

However, as the bad weather refused to relent, the umpires made the decision to call off play for the day, meaning the teams will be back at the venue on Wednesday to reach a conclusion.

With the rain unrelenting, play has been called off for the day. New Zealand will resume their innings tomorrow at 10.30am on 211/5 with 3.5 overs to bat.

Here's hoping for better weather tomorrow #INDvNZ | #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/p9KdXPdd0g

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 9, 2019

New Zealand will face the final 3.5 overs of their innings, with Ross Taylor (67 not out) and Tom Latham (3 not out) to return to the crease.

Further showers are forecast in Manchester, though, and should the game not be completed, India will qualify for Sunday's final at Lord's because they finished above New Zealand in the group stage.

 

 

Photo Getty Images. Caption: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah come off due to the rain