Rain takes center stage at ICC T20 World Cup in Australia

There have been surprises at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. In the group stage, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Zimbabwe and the Netherlands were the four teams to progress to the Super12, which is divided into two groups.

The Netherlands progressed because the UAE, after two losses, beat Namibia to deny the African team their chance to progress. The West Indies tumbled out of the tournament in abject fashion, losing to both Ireland and Scotland.

In the first matches of Super12, New Zealand convincingly beat Australia, the favorites. Another surprise has been the incidence of rain. Having affected a number of the pre-tournament warmup matches, the bad weather has spread into the Super12. On Wednesday, the last five overs could not be bowled in the England-Ireland match, leaving Ireland victorious, an upset, while no play was possible between Afghanistan and New Zealand.

Rain was the root of some controversy in the South Africa-Zimbabwe match in Hobart. Officials in cricket are normally extremely cautious about allowing play to take place in the rain, mainly because of injury risk to players. On occasion, this has irked spectators, who can see no reason for no play, especially when the ground looks dry and the sun is out. In Hobart, the match was reduced to nine overs per side, which Zimbabwe managed to negotiate, scoring 79. South Africa’s frantic response was interrupted by rain, which got steadily heavier. One of Zimbabwe’s quick bowlers slipped and injured his ankle, but play was allowed to continue until conditions worsened further, South Africa requiring only 13 runs in the 24 balls remaining. Both sides were aggrieved.

The stakes are so high for all concerned. Pressure is on