World Cup: What will happen if final is washed out?
The ICC World Cup 2019 has reached its mid stage and things are about to get intense hereon. Unfortunately, the tournament has already made headlines with a number of matches getting washed-out. While four matches have been the victims so far, rain might even play a spoilsport during semis and final. What would happen if it indeed happens? We analyze.
Top four teams set to enter semis
Going by the current scenario, the top four teams look set to enter the semis. Defending champions Australia have lost just a game in five matches, making them the favorites. New Zealand and India are unbeaten in the four matches so far. Both of them look on the path of sealing a berth. The final spot is likely to be taken by hosts England.
Criteria for qualification to the semis
As said above, the top four teams qualify for the semis, as the first and foremost qualification criteria is about the points earned by the team. In the case of same points, the net run rate is taken into consideration. Further, in the case of a similar run rate, the head-to-head encounter or the current ODI ranking might also be taken into consideration.
What if a semi-final is washed-out?
In case it rains on the day of a semi-final, the ICC has kept a reserve day. The match would continue right from where it ended on the previous day, rather than starting afresh. However, if the match is washed-out even on the reserve day, the team ahead on the points table would qualify for the final.
What about the final?
As for the unfortunate case of rain on the day of the final, the ICC has kept a reserve day for the final as well, as the play would continue right from where it was disrupted, same as semis. However, if the match is washed-out even on the reserve day, the match would be abandoned and both the teams would be declared the joint-winners.
What happens in case of a match being tied?
In case a match is tied in the semis or the final, it would be decided via a Super Over on the same day.
