South Africa’s chances slim further after washout against West Indies

South Africa had reached 29 for no less after rain ensured no further play was possible.

SOUTHAMPTON: South Africa‘s chances of staying alive in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 received a setback after their contest against the West Indies was washed out. Only 7.3 overs of play was possible, in which South Africa reached 29 for 2 before the heavens opened up. What started out as a drizzle turned to some strong, heavy rain, which continued for over four hours before the game was officially called off.

This is the second washout of the tournament and one which gives South Africa and West Indies one point each. And although it finally got South Africa off the mark on the points table, it dims their hopes as they now have to win all their remaining matches to put up 11 points, which is what a team requires for a semi-final berth.

In whatever little play was possible, Sheldon Cottrell managed to trouble South Africa with his pace and variable bounce, getting rid of Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram in quick succession to hand West Indies early advantage. Amla struck a crisp cover drive before gloving a ball wide and short outside off to Chris Gayle at slip.

Markram, coming in as replacement for JP Duminy, feathered a delivery down leg for Shai Hope to complete a catch. When it started raining, Quinton de Kock was on 17 and his skipper Faf du Plessis was yet to open his account having faced seven deliveries.

South Africa next face Afghanistan in Cardiff on Saturday, while West Indies face England.

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