New Delhi:
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 witnessed the second abandonment of the tournament. After Pakistan vs Sri Lanka clash in Bristol was abandoned due to rain, the clash between South Africa and West Indies was also abandoned due to persistent rain at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Monday. The Proteas, who had lost their first three games, finally got off the mark in the tournament but this was not the result they expected as they look to make a bid for the final four spots in the tournament. Both teams get one point each as the weather once again ruined what was shaping up to be a good contest.
West Indies chose to field looking at the conditions and when the toss took place, there was drizzle in the air. Hashim Amla got going with a boundary but Sheldon Cottrell, who impressed in the game against Australia, got rid of Amla with a short ball that he flashed and the edge was taken by Shai Hope. Quinton de Kock looked good with a couple of good strokes and Aiden Markram got off the mark with a boundary. However, Cottrell struck again as Markram was stranded down the leg side.
Oshane Thomas bowled three good deliveries before the rain came and settled. There was a persistent drizzle for close to three hours. Although the rain stopped and there was an inspection scheduled, the drizzle returned. The rain stopped after one hour and only the hover-cover was there on the pitch. The light was also an issue. The covers were about to be removed when yet another rain delay forced the match to be abandoned.
After the match, Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis highlighted his frustrations when he said, “Rain-affected matches are the worst. Both teams wanted a result, but you can't control the weather.” West Indies skipper Jason Holder remarked, “A great start by the bowlers. Particularly by Sheldon - very important to have a good start with the ball in this kind of conditions. We have been getting new-ball wickets, and we don't mind giving runs in the first ten overs if we get wickets up front.”
South Africa take on Afghanistan in a crucial match in Cardiff on June 15 while West Indies square off against hosts and tournament favourites England in a crucial match on June 14 at the Rose Bowl.
