6 instances when rain affected a team's chances at an ICC tournament

#5 New Zealand at the 2013 Champions Trophy

New Zealand’s washed out game against Australia eventually cost them a place in the semi-finals at the 2013 CT

New Zealand made a winning start to their Champions Trophy campaign in 2013 as they somehow managed to edge past Sri Lanka by one wicket in what was a low-scoring thriller which amassed a total of 277 runs.

In their second group game, the Kiwis were up against Australia at Edgbaston. Adam Voges’ 71 from 76 deliveries and skipper George Bailey’s patient 55 from 91 deliveries took Australia to a total of 243/8 in their 50 overs.

In reply, New Zealand lost openers Martin Guptill and Luke Ronchi early but Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor batted carefully, taking calculated risks and the Kiwis were 51/2 after 15 overs. At this point, rain took centre-stage and after nearly three hours of rain, the match got abandoned and both teams were awarded a point each.

Had the match not been washed out, New Zealand could have chased down the total as they had enough depth in their batting lineup with the likes of Brendon McCullum and James Franklin yet to come.

The washout cost New Zealand dear as they lost to England by 10 runs in their final group game and with Sri Lanka beating Australia, New Zealand were out and Sri Lanka were through to the semi-finals.