CWC 2019: Rain pushes Semi-final 1 to reserve day; NZ to resume batting
The first semi-final of the 2019 World Cup between India and New Zealand will resume on the reserve day as constant rain interruptions stopped play today (9th July). When the downpour began at the Old Trafford, Manchester, New Zealand’s innings was hurtling towards an exciting finish after they had struggled to gain pace. The Blackcaps will resume on 211/5 in 46.1 overs on the reserve day (10th July).
Check out the full scorecard here
New Zealand’s decision of batting first after winning the toss proved to be a boon for the Indian side. Making full use of the conditions, they never allowed the Kiwis to score above four runs per over. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor held the fort but their advances were in inches and not in feet. Just when they started to pressurise the Indians in the field, the rain came down heavily.
Indian pacers push New Zealand on the back foot
Virat Kohli’s choice of Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Mohammed Shami did raise a few questions but Bhuvi suppressed them in the first spell itself. He and Jasprit Bumrah began with maiden overs. Out of form opener, Martin Guptil relented to the pressure and faced another failure. The pair of Bhuvi and Bumrah did not allow Henry Nicholls and Kane Williamson to get away. New Zealand recorded the worst score in the tournament after 10 overs – 27/1.
Williamson and Taylor grind through
Ravindra Jadeja spun a delivery through Nicholls’ defence to break the 68-run partnership for the second wicket. This brought New Zealand’s veteran pair of Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease. The duo limited further damage but the run rate was still crawling. On his personal score of 67, Williamson was dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal and pacers sent back Colin de Grandhomme and James Neesham at the other end.
Taylor was starting to break loose in the end overs but rain spoiled the momentum. He will start his innings on 67 not out with Tom Latham as a partner. Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have two overs remaining. If rain allows no result tomorrow, then India will qualify for the final due to their better ranking in the group stage.
