Who benefited the most from the World Cup reserve-day rules during the two-day semi-final between New Zealand and India?
India were dumped out of the World Cup after a two-day semi-final against New Zealand, but did the Black Caps get an unfair advantage due to the tournament reserve-day rules?
Or did India have the upper hand but were just undone by a brilliant New Zealand bowling performance?
India bowled exquisitely on Tuesday. They reduced New Zealand to 211-5 in 46.1 overs before the rain washed out the game. The rules stated that instead of the game being reset and replayed on Wednesday, New Zealand picked up where they left off.
The pitch was under covers overnight, which gave the bowlers the upper hand. The moisture in the deck created more dangerous new-ball swing movement which was evident in New Zealand’s struggle with the bat which saw them add only 28 runs for the fall of two wickets and saw them post 239-8 in their innings.
The pitch conditions also aided New Zealand bowlers as they hit perfect areas and hassled India who were reduced to 3-5 after three overs and 24-4 after 10 overs.
Batting improved as the pitch got more exposure to the sun which was evident in the cameos from Hardik Pandya (32) and Rishabh Pant (32) and particularly in the century-run stand between Ravindra Jadeja (77) and MS Dhoni (50).
Unfortunately for Indian fans their side lost by 18 runs to New Zealand who march on to a consecutive World Cup final.
Do you think a more fair option could have been for the game to be reset, with the toss being retaken on Wednesday, to give both teams the opportunity for an equal contest? Or do you agree with the World Cup rules?
Let us know in the comment section below.
Photo: Cricket World Cup/Twitter
