After the rain-hit World Test Championship (WTC) final between the Indian cricket team and New Zealand in Southampton, England, we take a look at some iconic cricket matches affected by rain.
Debacle in Durban
South Africa v Sri Lanka, 2003 World Cup
Mark Boucher had revived South Africa from 149/5 to 229/6 amid a drizzle in their pursuit of Sri Lanka’s 268/9 in the 2003 World Cup in Durban. Having hit a six to bring South Africa level with the Duckworth-Lewis par score, Boucher played a dot off the last ball of the 45th over, wrongly believing his team were ahead. The rain became heavy, and no further play was possible. To Boucher and South Africa’s horror, they discovered the game had only been tied, when a win was needed. Rain had knocked South Africa out of yet another World Cup.
Suspense in Sydney
Australia v India, 3rd Test, 2021
Both Australia and India had won a Test each going into the third match of the 2020-21 series at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Although rain interrupted the Australian first innings several times, nearly 425 overs were eventually bowled in the game. Armed with a first-innings lead of 94, Australia posted 312/6 declared in the second, setting India 407 to win. Until Rishabh Pant (97 off 118) was batting, even an Indian win seemed possible. Thereafter, the injured duo of Hanuma Vihari and R Ashwin resisted the Australian bowlers for almost 43 overs to earn India a memorable draw.
Level at Lord’s
England v India, 4th ODI, 2011
Rain had already intervened in England’s chase of India’s 280/5 at Lord’s a couple of times. Ravi Bopara had led the hosts’ fightback from 173/5, and along with Graeme Swann, had taken England ahead of the D/L par score. However, Swann was run out by Munaf Patel in the 49th over, and next ball Bopara was caught in the deep by Ravindra Jadeja on 96, leaving England on 270/8. Those two quick wickets dragged England back to the par score. Rain did not allow any further play, leaving the match tied at the home of cricket.
Heartbreak in Harare
Scotland v West Indies, World Cup Qualifier, 2018
Scotland had restricted the powerful West Indies batting to 198 in their World Cup Qualifier match in Harare. Rain had been threatening to come down in Scotland’s chase, in which they had recovered from 67/4. However, Richie Berrington (33) was given out lbw with the score on 105 when the ball seemed headed down the leg side. At 125/5 in the 36th over, the rain intensified to prevent further play. By then, Scotland had fallen five runs behind the DLS (erstwhile DL) par score. It was the end of their 2019 World Cup dream, while West Indies went through.
Soggy in Southampton
India v New Zealand, WTC final, 2021
Despite a reserve day being added, it seemed that rain would wash out the inaugural World Test Championship final at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. No play was possible on days one and four, and days two and three were curtailed. However, the weather cleared after an early shower on day five, and the match headed into the sixth and final day with all results possible. India went on to crash from 71/2 to 170 all out in their second innings, and New Zealand reached the target of 139 late in the evening for an eight-wicket title win.
Featured photo : Glyn Kirk /AFP
