India pushed New Zealand to great suffering before the first semi-final washed out due to heavy rain at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. New Zealand only has 23-balls to save their innings. Things are not looking good for them as they only collected 211 runs for five wickets in 46.1 overs. It seems New Zealand’s decision to chose bat first didn’t work and their bowlers will have to face a tough task ahead of them.

India makes New Zealand suffer before the match washout due to heavy rain and semifinal pushes into an extra day

The batting of New Zealand wasn’t one day type or it seems they’re not too much motivated to win the game. Maybe, they’re lacking confidence after three defeats at a stretch at round-robin stage. Ross Taylor, New Zealand’s one of the most senior player, scrabbled to seven-runs in 23 balls. He is still unbeaten in 67 runs from 85 balls.

This is actually the overall scenario for Kiwis batting. None of their batsmen were impressive and wasted lots of balls. Captain Kane Williamson scored 67 runs in 95 balls. Kiwis opener Martin Guptill scored only 1 run from 14 balls. The other batsmen were also bleak and failed to make an impact.

That looks sums up Guptill’s WC campaign. from r/CricketShitpost

They didn’t have any answer to Indian great pace attack. As Ross Taylor is still at the crease and New Zealand still has 23 balls to play they can still hope to pass the barrier of 250-runs, although the chance is not good as India’s talismanic seamer Jasprit Bumrah still has 12 balls in his armory.

After the innings of New Zealand, India will have full 50 overs to play to chase down the Black Caps modest score, making the almost whole reserve day which generally scheduled for the knockout stages. As per forecasts, there is very little chance to rain on Wednesday, India maybe will play the whole innings without any problem. But, in case of rain comes to Manchester and the match buckets down, then India will have only 20 overs to play.

New Zealand is on backfoot before the rain on Old Trafford
New Zealand is on backfoot before the rain on Old Trafford

None of this case gonna help the Kiwis and suffices to say, they’re in immense danger to knock out as their bowlers have to face the most dangerous batting lineup in the world. Maybe the Duckworth/Stern/Lewis method could work for the Black Caps, unfairly, after their stammering display in the whole match.

It’s expected that on day two both teams will try to play their highest level. India will be much more confident due to their staggering display on day one. It is almost certain India will go through to Sunday’s final at Lord’s, London if anything unpredictable won’t happen.