The first T20I match between India and South Africa that was to be played at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium on Sunday was called off without a ball played due to rain.
Intermittent rains throughout the day coupled with puddles of water on the covers meant that even the coin toss could not take place.
While there was prediction of a sharp drizzle in the afternoon, the weather forecast predicted a clear sky in the evening but the heavens opened up multiple times to ruin every possible chance of having a shortened match. A spell of thundershowers happened in the afternoon and by the evening it seemed that the rain had subsided with the spectators thronging into the stadium.
Expressing disappointment on the match being called off due to rain, BCCI on Sunday tweeted: “The rains continue and the match has officially been called off. See you in Chandigarh for the 2nd T20I #INDvSA.”
The rains continue and the match has officially been called off. See you in Chandigarh for the 2nd T20I #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/BjZ9Y7QAf2
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 15, 2019
Meanwhile, ICC tweeted: “Match abandoned between India and South Africa.
The rain proves too much in the end and so now the teams will look forward to the 2nd T20I in Mohali on Wednesday. #INDvSA.”
Match abandoned between India and South Africa.
The rain proves too much in the end and so now the teams will look forward to the 2nd T20I in Mohali on Wednesday.#INDvSA pic.twitter.com/ahOgKBkRIS
— ICC (@ICC) September 15, 2019
The three-match series now moves to Mohali where the second T20I will be played on Wednesday. The match is scheduled for a 7 pm (IST) start.
The third match will be played in Bengaluru on Sunday.