Bacher: There was time for 50 overs

Cape Town - Former South African cricket captain Ali Bacher is of the opinion that overs should not have been reduced in Tuesday's Cricket World Cup semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.

The match was reduced to 43 overs a side after a rain intervention halted South Africa's strong surge with the bat.

The Proteas were in command at 216/3 after 38 overs before a rain break reduced the game. They eventually finished on 281/5 after 43 overs.

New Zealand's target was adjusted to 298 according to the Duckworth-Lewis method. The Kiwis eventually won by four wickets to book their spot in Sunday's final in Melbourne.

Given the reserve day which was set in case play could not be completed, Bacher felt there was enough time for both teams to have completed a 50 overs a side match.

In an open letter penned to AB de Villiers, Bacher expressed his sympathy with the South African skipper and lauded the Proteas' dedication.

He admitted that mistakes cost the South Africans, but stressed that the rule should be applied differently when reducing overs.

"When the rain started to fall, I consulted (cricket statistician) Andrew Sampson about the rules. Provision is indeed made for inclement weather and therefore a reserve day is set aside," Bacher wrote in his letter on Netwerk24.

"I was under the impression that the Duckworth-Lewis formula would only come into effect on the reserve day, but Andrew said it already counts on the first day.

"I think it's crazy to use Duckworth-Lewis if you have a reserve day."

CLICK HERE to read Ali Bacher's full letter to AB de Villiers on Netwerk24.