Flashback: World Cup matches that went into reserve day

The first semi-final of the 2019 World Cup between India and New Zealand at the Old Trafford, Manchester became the latest addition to World Cup matches played on the reserve day. The relentless rain stopped any further play after New Zealand had reached 211/5 in 46.1 overs in their first innings. The officials tried to squeeze in a 20-over match but the conditions did not allow.

Here is a look back on previous such instances in the World Cup.

Sri Lanka vs West Indies – World Cup 1979

The group game between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the Oval, London was scheduled on 13th June 1979. Heavy rain at the venue washed away any hopes of play on the day. Not one but two reserve days were scheduled to allow a result. However, non-stop rain ended all such hopes and the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Kenya vs Zimbabwe – World Cup 1996

This group stage match in Patna, Bihar was scheduled on 25th February. The match started but rain intervened after 15.5 overs of Zimbabwe’s innings. The match was then restarted on 27th of the same month. Kenya were all out for 134 runs and Zimbabwe completed the target with five wickets remaining.

England vs India – World Cup 1999

This was a very crucial group stage encounter. In their final group match at Edgbaston, both the teams needed to win to stay alive in the competition and progress to the next stage. India first posted 232/8 with solid contributions from the top order. England were 73/3 in 20.3 overs when rain stopped play. They resumed their innings on the next day and stumbled to 169 all out. England were out of the World Cup and India advanced to the Super Six stage.

Zimbabwe vs New Zealand – World Cup 1999

The Super Six match at Headingley, Leeds was a disappointment. It was marred with frequent rain interruptions and even the reserve day did not help. Batting first, Zimbabwe folded up for 175 all out. In the chase, New Zealand found themselves at 75/3 in 15 overs when the rain halted play. The match was pushed to the reserve day but constant rain led to the abandonment.