For some reason, the rain that ultimately stopped a furious Super 12s match between South Africa and Zimbabwe in the Men’s T20 World Cup was the cherry on top of an already strange affair.
Zimbabwe struck 79-5 with Wesley Madhevere hitting an unbeaten 35 off 18 balls after the game was shortened to nine overs a side due to continuous but moderate rain in Hobart.
South Africa’s goal was down to 64 runs in seven overs after a massive six by Quinton de Kock in the opening over of their reply, but heavy rain eventually returned.
Play was originally permitted to continue by umpires Ahsan Raza and Michael Gough, but when fast bowler Richard Ngarava hurt his thigh on a slip during his follow through, Zimbabwe switched to bowling just spin in order to save its seamers.
Wicketkeeper Regis Chakabva also fell while moving down the leg side, which prompted spinner Sikandar Raza to remark, “We may as well bowl underarm or we won’t have 11 players for the next game.”
Spinner Sean Williams was ready to bowl with South Africa at 51-0 after three overs, but he held up one arm in protest. When the game reached that point, the officials decided to pull the players off the field.
South Africa had scored the number of runs necessary to win a Twenty20 match in the bare minimum of five overs.
Unfortunately, the game could not be shortened by two more overs, therefore they were forced to settle for a no result and a single point for both teams.
Against Thursday, the Proteas will take on Bangladesh at 04:00 BST, while Zimbabwe will take on Pakistan at 12:00.