ODI World Cup 2023: What happens if semi-finals are washed out due to rain?

The league stage of the 2023 ODI World Cup has just one game left, heading into the knockout week. India and South Africa were the first two teams to confirm their semi-final berth. Australia were the next to seal a spot in the last four. Pakistan and Afghanistan were in contention for the knockout phase but it didn't take long for New Zealand to cement the last place. 

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India won 8 matches unbeaten and secured the top spot in the points table regardless of the result of their last match against the Netherlands on Sunday. The tournament hosts will face New Zealand in the first semi-final on November 15 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It will be a repeat of 2019 when the Black Caps handed the Men in Blue a heartbreaking defeat. 

With Australia failing to go higher than South Africa in terms of Net Run Rate (NRR), the latter finished in second spot. The Proteas will be aiming for their first-ever World Cup final when they lock horns with the five-time champions in the second semi-final at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16. 

What if rain plays spilsport in semi-finals?

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Rain hasn't wreaked havoc on the tournament so far, barring a few matches where a few overs have to be shortened. Although there is no threat of heavy rain for the semi-final, no one can predict that. The Cricket Governing Body has added an extra layer of security by having a reserve day in place if rain plays spoilsport in Mumbai or Kolkata. 

To confirm the finalists, both teams must play the minimum overs required. So what happens if the rain doesn't allow it even on the reserve day? In that case, the rule states that the team that finishes higher in the points table advances to the summit clash. 

If this rule comes into force, India will progress to the final two from the first semi-final. Similarly, if the second semi-final is washed out, South Africa will play the final.