The first semi-final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup between New Zealand and India at Old Trafford has been halted by the rain.
The Kiwis won the toss but struggled to score on the slow surface. They limped to 211 for five when showers in Manchester saw play interrupted at the start of the 47th over.
Kiwi fans would have expected some fireworks from their top order – after captain Kane Williamson won the toss and opted to bat first at Old Trafford.
What they did get however was a circumspect start as India’s bowlers quietly assumed control of proceedings.
Seamer Jasprit Bumrah ensured that opener Martin Guptil’s dismal World Cup campaign continued.
Bumrah had Guptil on his way for one in the fourth over.
Williamson, like he has done so many times for his side, came to the rescue.
He set about building their innings – sharing in A 68-run second wicket partnership with Henry Nicholls, before Nicholls was bowled by Ravindra Jadeja for 28.
Williamson then picked up the mantle with Ross Taylor, this time in a 65-run stand that saw the skipper score a half century — his 39th in one day cricket.
But it was still India’s bowling attack who had the upper hand, restricting the Kiwis to 113 for two after 30 overs.
With pressure mounting for New Zealand to take on the bowling and provide some much needed acceleration — Williamson departed for 67 compliments of the spin of Yuzvendra Chahal.
As the Indians continued their stranglehold with the ball, Taylor continued his painstaking vigil, notching up his 50th 50 in ODI’s with a rare maximum.
Taylor would have been looking to try and go as big as he could in the dying overs but rain interrupted play with New Zealand on 211 for five at the start of the 47th over.
If a result is not achieved today, the match will resume on Wednesday.
