The India vs New Zealand match was halted in Navi Mumbai due to rain. (Express Photo | Narendra Vaskar)New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine will not be happy after rain interrupted another match involving the Kiwis, this time against India in a must-win clash in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. India were going swimmingly, all set to post a big target for New Zealand to chase when the rain came in.
The umpires tried to get through the last few overs left in the Indian innings but as the rain got heavier, the players trudged off the field with India at 329/2 after 48 overs. With the match a crucial clash for both teams, here’s what the scenarios for the semifinal qualifications will be if the match is abandoned:
India and New Zealand are currently 4th and 5th in the points table respectively with 4 points apiece, having played 5 matches so far. If the match is washed out, then both teams will be on five points each after splitting the points. But India will remain ahead of New Zealand owing to a positive net run rate. It will then come down to the last where India take on Bangladesh and New Zealand take on England. In case India lose and New Zealand win, India will be eliminated while if New Zealand lose and India win, the Women in Blue will qualify. In case India win and New Zealand also win, it’ll come down to net run rate. If both teams lose, it’ll again be up to net run rate to see who qualifies for the semifinal.
Pratika Rawal and Smriti Rawal both scored centuries as they got India off to a splendid start to the match. The 212-run partnership for the opening wicket between Rawal and Mandhana is the fourth highest for the opening wicket and fifth highest for any wicket for India in women’s ODIs.
The 320-run partnership between Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut against Ireland in 2017 remains the highest opening as well any wicket partnership for India in women’s ODIs. The 212-run partnership is the 30th highest partnership for any wicket in women’s ODI and 15th highest for the opening wicket in women’s ODIs.
Mandhana also became the highest run-scorer among openers in women’s ODI history, surpassing Suzie Bates’ tally in 20 fewer innings. She has opened in every game for India except her ODI debut at No. 3 in April 2013.
After the openers fell, Jemimah Rodrigues slammed a quickfire 50 to help India stay firmly in the driver’s seat.
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