As the stage is set for the highly anticipated Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand on March 9, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is buzzing with excitement. The two teams have already faced each other once in the tournament, with India emerging victorious. However, New Zealand’s impressive performance so far suggests that this won’t be an easy win for the Indian team. Amidst all the excitement, one question lingers – what if it rains on the day of the final? Let’s dive into the ICC’s plans for such an eventuality and explore the possibilities.
The ICC has made provisions for a reserve day in case the final is affected by rain. If the match is unable to take place on March 9, it will be rescheduled for March 10. This is a departure from the previous rules, where the match would have resumed from where it left off the previous day. Now, if the match is interrupted by rain, it will start fresh the next day, giving both teams an equal chance to compete. According to the ICC, the final match must be completed in its entirety; if not, the teams will be declared joint winners. The outcome of previous matches will not be taken into account, and the team that performs better on the day of the final will be crowned the champion.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that rain has threatened to disrupt a Champions Trophy final. In 2002, the final between India and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to rain, and both teams were declared joint winners. The ICC has since changed its rules to accommodate reserve days for the final and semifinals, ensuring that the tournament concludes with a decisive winner. With the weather forecast indicating no likelihood of rain on March 9, fans can breathe a sigh of relief. However, it’s always better to be prepared, and the ICC’s precautions are a testament to their commitment to delivering a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.
The upcoming final will be the first time India and New Zealand have faced each other in a Champions Trophy final in 25 years. The two teams have a long history, having played 119 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against each other. India has won 61 of these matches, while New Zealand has emerged victorious 50 times. Seven matches have ended without a result, and one has been tied. Historically, India has had the upper hand, but New Zealand’s current form suggests that this could be a closely contested match. The 2000 Champions Trophy final, which New Zealand won, is a distant memory, and both teams will be looking to create new history on March 9.
