Virat Kohli opens after abandoning India-New Zealand match due to rain – CricketTimes.com



[ad_1]

In the rain, the 18th match of the 2019 ICC World Cup between India and New Zealand was dropped Thursday at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

India, despite the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, was the favorite to win the match. Yes, they lost to New Zealand in the unimportant preparation match. But ODI, second in the standings, showed its potential by beating South Africa and the defending champion, Australia, to launch its campaign on an exhilarating note.

New Zealand has also won all of its matches, three – but against relatively weaker opponents – Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

The India-New Zealand match became the third in four days to be dropped without a ball being thrown. Overall, it was the fourth playoff game of the tournament that frustrated teams, fans and organizers. If the ICC were to award points for special sports, rain would be at the top of the table with eight!

"The sensible decision not to play, given that the outside field was not in top form," Indian skipper Virat Kohli said in his comments after the match.

Indian coach R Sridhar echoed Kohli's sentiments and said the outside field looked like an "ice rink".

Following the adjournment of the day's proceedings at 3 pm local time, India and New Zealand divided the two items proposed. India now has five points in three games, while New Zealand remains at the top of the standings with seven points in four matches.

"One point is not a bad thing for the teams that have won all their matches so far," Kohli said.

"So, we'll take it. For Sunday (the match against Pakistan), we know that we are here for the state of mind. Just to go out there and have a game plan, run it. As soon as you enter the field, the situation is calm and relaxed. The atmosphere of the outside, for the first time, is a little intimidating, but we will try to execute well. It's competitive for years, it's a prestigious event around the world, an honor to be part of the big game. Bring out the best of us all, "he said about the match in Manchester.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said it was not surprising that the match was canceled.

"We have been here for about four days and we have not seen the sun, so it does not surprise us. It's not ideal, but some free time is also important. We have a mid-term break, so it's a good opportunity for the guys to cool off and wait for the next challenge, "said Williamson.

India will now face Pakistan on 16 June in Manchester, while New Zealand will prepare for a match against South Africa on 19 June.

[ad_2]

Source link