New Delhi:
Before the start of the first Twenty20 International, heavy rain had pounded Dharamshala at 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM IST. The weather forecast for the day was not good with 60 percent chances of a thunderstorm. The weather remained true and heavy rain lashed the ground just before the toss and the intensity was intense for 50 minutes. The ground was only 75 percent covered with the wide long on and deep midwicket areas exposed to the rain. With the rain refusing to relent, the match was called off in just 55 minutes and this has reduced the India vs South Africa series to a two-match series.
The build-up to the game had been dominated by rain with the head groundsman stating that the preparations had been hampered due to the inclement weather. After the brief spell of rain, there was hope that a truncated match could take place as there was only a faint drizzle. However, the groundstaff were working hard and there were some wet patches near the areas that were not covered.
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With the umpires inspecting, there was hope that the match could resume later but a drizzle approached and then there was heavy rain for 30 minutes. Puddles formed on the outfield near the boundary region with many fans leaving the stadium as there was no protection.
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Only two parts of the HPCA stadium have overhead protection and most of the fans had to scurry to get back to the pavilion outside.
India and South Africa will now compete on September 18 at the PCA stadium in Mohali.
