ODI World Cup 2023 semifinals: The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 stage is set for the semifinals, with India, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand vying for a spot in the ultimate showdown. India seek redemption against New Zealand after their 2019 semi-final loss, while South Africa prepare to face Australia, a clash potentially marred by adverse weather at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. Should rain interfere, altering the outcomes, what happens and who progresses to the final?
The priority remains to complete the match on the scheduled date, potentially through a reduction in overs by the umpires to secure a result. If rain hampers the game and a minimum of 20 overs is not completed in the second innings (a requisite for a complete match), the umpires have two decisions to make:
Scenario 1 – If the match doesn’t commence before the 20th over in the second innings, it will continue on the reserve day with the full 50 overs.
Scenario 2 – Should the match begin and reach 20 overs but then face rain interruptions, it will resume on the reserve day with reduced overs.
What happens in case of a ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal gets abandoned due to rain?
If neither team manage to complete 20 overs (including the reserve day) due to rain, resulting in an abandoned match, the teams with higher rankings from the league stage will progress to the final. This scenario favours India and South Africa, given their strong positions in the league. India, mindful of their past experiences in crucial matches, aim to secure victory promptly, recalling their losses in the 2019 ODI World Cup semifinal and the 2021 World Test Championship final.
ODI World Cup 2023 Semifinals Match Timings, Venues Details:
ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal 1: October 15, 2023: India vs New Zealand – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal 2: October 16, 2023: South Africa vs Australia – Eden Gardens, Kolkata