Published: Sep 15, 2019, 07:29 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2019, 07:29 PM (IST)
7.27 pm: Same situation around, fans slowing moving out of the stadium!
7.11 pm: The rain did reduce for some time, but it has picked up again and boy, has it picked up really bad! Now, certainly impossible scenes around for any play!
6.59 pm: Nothing good to say, folks! It’s absolutely pouring at Dharamsala!
6.39 pm: The rain has returned, in fact, now, it looks like a storm! It’s absolutely bucketing down in Dharamsala.
6.33: It’s official! The toss is delayed as inspection is underway, but the rain has returned!
6.05 pm: According to Harsha Bhogle, the rain has reduced to “only a slight drizzle now. Cut off is 21.46.
Only a slight drizzle now, which looks like it could end soon, but there is a lot of water on the covers and on the ground. Cut off is 21.46 so lots of time
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 15, 2019
5.55 pm: We may be in for a delayed start, the BCCI has confirmed that it’s raining in Dharamsala.
Raining in Dharamsala at the moment 😔
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 15, 2019
As both, India and South Africa begin their 2020 T20 World Cup preparations in the series opener of the three-match Twenty20 Internationals on Sunday, it appears that the weather gods may not let that happen. According to PTI, a sharp spell of afternoon thundershowers lashed Himachal hill city, Dharamsala ahead of the first T20 International. According to the weather forecast, scattered thundershowers are expected during the day.
Absolutely bucketing down in Dharamshala……You’ve just got to hope it will stop!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 15, 2019
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle too revealed that Dharamsala has received heavy rainfall and it continues to pour. “Absolutely bucketing down in Dharamshala……You’ve just got to hope it will stop!” he wrote.
While the match starts at 7 pm, the HPCA Stadium is equipped with quality drainage facility and can prepare the ground for a full 40-over game even if the rain stops by 5 pm.
INDIA VS SOUTH AFRICA 2019 | SCHEDULE | LATEST NEWS
The minimum is a five-over per side encounter for it to be official game.
Raining currently in Dharamsala. 🏟️⛈️ Let’s hope for the best. #INDvSA
— Moulin (@Moulinparikh) September 15, 2019
The last time South Africa toured India for a T20I series, they prevailed 2-0. Only de Kock, David Miller and Kagiso Rabada have returned from that side, which gives a huge opportunity for youngsters like allrounder Bjorn Fortuin, pacer Junior Dala and the lone spinner in Tabraiz Shamsi to shine.
With both sides still nascent in their experimentation stage, a cracker of a contest looks to be played out at the picturesque venue in Dharamsala.
What: India vs South Africa 2019, 1st T20I
When: September 15, Sunday
Where: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Time: 7 pm IST
Weather: Scattered thunderstorms with a maximum high of 24 degrees Celsius
On TV: Star Sports Network (in India)
LIVE streaming: Hotstar
You can also follow LIVE streaming of the match on CricketCountry (India vs South Africa, 1st T20I: Scorecard)
