The First ODI Between India And South Africa Abandoned:
On 12th March (Thursday), the first ODI match between India vs South Africa was abandoned without a single ball being bowled because of persistent rain in Dharmasala. The weather department already forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rains on Thursday and Friday due to fresh western disturbances over northern Pakistan and border areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
It is the second time within six months to be called off at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium due to bad weather. And accidentally, that previous match was also a match between India and South Africa in last year September.
At the Indrunag Temple, fans, as well as organizers, had offered prayers in the hills to satisfy the gods of rains.
Heavy Rain Is Expected On Wednesday Too:
On Wednesday also, heavy rain had smashed Dharmasala just after the practice sessions of the two teams and forced the organizers to hide the whole playing area. On the before the day of the match also, it rained the full night. This made the sky cloudy on the match day and rained on and off, which forced the toss to be delayed.
There was not heavy rain but sufficient for water to amass, which compelled the organizers to use three super-soppers. But it didn’t work. The ground staff couldn’t clear the whole ground and umpires called off the match.
The time for cut-off a 20-over match was 6.30 pm (IST) but by noticing the condition of weather and ground, the on-field umpires finally decided to abandon the game much before the scheduled time.
The second ODI match between India and South Africa is scheduled to play on 15th March in Lucknow and the third and final match will be held on 18th March in Eden Garden of Kolkata.
