New Zealand coach Mike Hesson has revealed that rain could help his side advance to the World Cup final easily if it becomes a major factor, given the unpredictable weather in the Tasman nation.
The knockout stages start in Sydney on Wednesday and they would witness reserve days come into play for the rest of the tournament, as every opportunity would be taken to complete a minimum 20-over-a-side match on the scheduled day if rain intervenes.
However, the match can resume on the reserve day rather than starting afresh. But if rain does not allow a match to be completed over two days, the team placed highest in pool play would progress, Stuff.co.nz reported.
And if that happens, New Zealand could theoretically make the March 29 final without bowling another ball in Saturday's quarterfinal or Tuesday's semifinal in Auckland, as they topped their Pool A.
Hesson said that they are all aware of the playing conditions and they've been out there for a while now, adding that the advantage if there's rain around is the fact that they are placed high in their pool. He insisted that if rain becomes a major factor then that can help.
Given the current forecasts, its unlikely that New Zealand would be rained on, after a largely uninterrupted pool phase on this side of the Tasman. Moreover, forecast for Wellington is of fine weather on Friday and Saturday, while the long-range prediction for Auckland is for fine weather and light winds on Tuesday.
For the final in Melbourne, a super over would be used to separate teams in the event of a tie, but if it rains for two days and the match can't be completed, then the title would be shared be the two final teams, the report added.
