5 Great Games In History Of World Cricket Which Were Spoiled Due To Rain

The game of cricket is already complicated for non-cricket fans, and for ones trying to initiate their interests in it. Apart from the vagaries in rules – such as the size of boundary rope from the pitch, different conditions and the state of the pitch in different parts of the world, etc – the length of the game is also a major dud for people who enjoy other short sports.

Nowadays, even the T20 matches extend for more than 3 hours, which is the shortest international format. The ODIs, which go on for about 8 hours, and a Test match, which can be played for 5 days – earlier even more days – and still end in a draw, are seen as something beyond logic by fans of fast-paced sports like Soccer or Rugby.

What adds more to these complications is the dreaded rain factor. Oh! The rain gods have been cruel at times in cricket, as little of it can be played during even a more than a slight drizzle. In limited-overs cricket, the incomprehensible Duckworth–Lewis method comes into play, and there is arguably any aspect of the game more brainstorming than it.

Here we look at 5 great cricket games which were affected by rain:

World Test Championship Final, Southampton 2021

The latest cricket match – and it is a bumper one – to be affected by the pour down is the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final between India and New Zealand, at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton. At the time of writing, the first session has been washed out with the toss, of course, been delayed.

It would be an absolute embarrassment for the ICC if the marquee clash which they have been promoting for the last two years – and in the plan for the last ten – would be washed away or played in parts to a dull draw. Fingers crossed.

South Africa vs New Zealand, 2015 WC Semi-final, Auckland

In the list of the most incredible ODI matches ever, let alone in World Cups, ever played in the first semi-final of the 2015 World Cup between South Africa and New Zealand at Eden Park was rain-marred and truncated.

Grant Elliott, born in Johannesburg, played the innings of his life to propel New Zealand into the final with a maximum off Dale Steyn of the penultimate delivery of the chase to complete the chase.

In the first innings, of South Africa, the match had been trimmed to 43 overs by rain. The Proteas may consider themselves unlucky for the Duckworth-Lewis calculations after their innings was interrupted when de Villiers and Faf du Plessis were in good touch by the 38th over. Though they smashed 65 in the last five overs, the 298 in 43 was less intimidating than the 350 in 50 could have been.

India vs New Zealand, 2019 WC Semi-final, Manchester

The memory of a weeping MS Dhoni lingers after he was run-out, effectively ending India’s challenge of the run-chase, in the 2019 World Cup semi-final in Manchester, against New Zealand.

A game which would then be the last dance of Dhoni, could have been ended in probably India’s favour had the Kiwi pacers not got the chance to bowl in more favourable conditions for bowling, on the second day – yes the second day of an ODI – of the game.

The game was spread over two days, with rain forcing the match – 3.4 overs of New Zealand’s batting and the India innings – into a reserve day. Despite the heroics of Jadeja, who was at the peak of his powers in all three aspects of the game, the Black Caps emerged slightly better than India.

India vs Sri Lanka, 2002 Champions Trophy Final, Colombo

One of the bigger contests in the sport was affected and then abandoned due to rain – twice! The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy Final, which was the first time the tournament was arranged after being modified from the ICC Knockout tournament, was washed out after two days’ soggy cricket.

There were two finals played on September 29 and 30 – unlike the 2019 India-New Zealand semi-final, which was played across two days, this game, as per the laws, would not resume; instead, the entire match would be replayed.

Both times Sri Lanka batted first and posted below 250 totals; both times India began their innings and in less than 10 overs both the finals were abandoned.

With the pitch only getting slower, nothing could be predicted with the scorecard about the winner. However, both teams would have happily accepted the prize money – a total of USD 300,000, split between the two sides, which was the highest-ever prize money till then in cricket.

South Africa vs England, 1992 WC Semi-final, Sydney

Any mention of South Africa, or rain-affected farce, or DLS, and the scorecard of the Proteas requiring 22 runs off just 1 ball pops up, which came down from 22 needed off 13 balls, separated by a rain break.

Oh, the suffering for South Africans from that 1992 World Cup semi-final versus England in Sydney is still present; unimagined is the agony for the Protea players who played in that game.

In fact, after the rain break, it was communicated that they would require 22 off 7; then it was said it was a miscommunication, and they actually need 22 off one. The list of the cruel heartbreaks for the Saffers began from that unforgettable day.

The DLS rule was undoubtedly flawed then; even after modifications, it is still flawed. Well, the game remains highly complicated, so it’s no surprise that the imprecise DLS is the best we have.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant And Cheteshwar Pujara Pick Gabba Test As Their Favourite