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With the ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024 down to its business end, Team India gear up to face England in the second semi-final on Thursday, June 27, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
India have been phenomenal so far, winning every game they have played on their way to the semi-finals. Rohit Sharma and his men put up convincing performances against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Australia in the Super 8s. They will be high on confidence coming into the semi-final.
Defending champions England in their path, who qualified for the semi-final with two wins out of three matches in the Super 8s. After beginning their campaign with a washed-out game against Scotland and a defeat against Australia, Jos Buttler and his men have been dominant throughout.
England will also gather confidence from their scintillating 10-wicket triumph over India when the two sides met in the semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 in Adelaide.
While the demons of the past and an ICC trophy draught since 2013 certainly pose a threat to the Indian team, the possibility of rain affecting this crucial semi-final fixture seems to be a larger threat with no reserve day in store for the game as well. There is a certain possibility of passing showers playing spoilsport during the marquee clash in Guyana.
On that note, here is a look at the three past instances where India's knockout matches in an ICC event were affected by rain.
#3 India vs New Zealand, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019
The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand was scheduled to be played on July 9, 2019, at Old Trafford in Manchester. Winning the toss, Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson elected to bat first.
New Zealand got to 211/5 in 47 overs with Williamson leading from the front, scoring a crucial 95-ball 67. Ross Taylor also supported him well with his 90-ball 74. However, owing to persistent rain, play was stopped in the 47th over of the first innings in Manchester.
With a reserve day in place, play was resumed on July 10, with no improvement in conditions on the previous day. Resuming their innings, New Zealand eventually got to 239/8 from their 50 overs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar picking up three wickets for India.
In reply, India were bowled out for 221, falling agonizingly short by 18 runs and crashing out of the World Cup. Ravindra Jadeja's 77 and MS Dhoni's 50-run knock went in vain as the Kiwis progressed to the final. It also proved to be Dhoni's last ODI in India colors, which ended on a disappointing note.
#2 India vs New Zealand, ICC World Test Championship Final, 2021
India and New Zealand made it to the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021. The historic clash unfolded at The Rise Bowl in Southampton, beginning on Friday, June 18.
Due to unavoidable rain and bad light, play was affected on all five days of the match, as a result of which the sixth day (reserve day) came into play. Continuous showers on all five days also made the conditions favorable for the fast bowlers, with plenty of assistance off the surface.
While the first day of play was completely washed out, India managed to get to 146/3 by the end of Day 2. India were bundled out for 217 eventually, as New Zealand got to 101/3 at the close of play on the third day. The fourth was entirely washed out once again. The Kiwis posted a first innings total of 249, gaining a 32-run lead.
On day five, India got to 64/2, before being skittled out for 170 on the sixth and final day. Chasing a target of 140, New Zealand eventually got home with eight wickets to spare, being crowned the first-ever ICC World Test champions.
#1 India vs England, ICC Champions Trophy, 2013
The final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 is the only memorable rain-affected knockout game for India on this list.
MS Dhoni and Co. took on host England in the final at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Following persistent rain, the 50-over final was eventually reduced to a 20-over per side affair.
Riding on vital knocks from Virat Kohli (43) and Ravindra Jadeja (33*), India managed to post a total of 129/7 after batting first in difficult conditions. India's bowlers were up for the challenge, picking up wickets right from the start of England's chase.
The hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were eventually held at 124/8 as India scripted a thrilling five-run win to be crowned champions. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ishant Sharma claimed two wickets apiece.
