The rain has, once again, come to haunt South Africa in a World Cup. The Proteas began their campaign today against Zimbabwe at Bellerive Oval. They could have easily earned two points but the rain god had other ideas. The forecast wasn’t great ahead of the start of the game on Monday. However, the toss happened despite all odds and after a delay of more than 2 hours, the game was reduced to 9 overs per side.
Zimbabwe batted first and managed to score 79 runs at the end of the first innings. South Africa made a perfect start in the powerplay as both the openers, Chakabva (8) and Craig Ervine (2) departed in single-digit scores. Sean Williams got run-out while the man-in-form S Raza departed for a duck off Lungi Ngidi. Lungi Ngidi claimed two wickets out of the first four and Zimbabwe were reeling at 19 for 4 in 3.4 overs.
Madhevere then joined hands with Milton Shumba and the duo shared a much-needed partnership of 60 runs in just 31 balls. Shumba got out on the final ball of the innings after scoring 18 off 20 balls but it was Madhevere, who was the star with the bat as he played a stellar unbeaten knock of 35 runs in 18 balls.
It looked like a decent total but Quinton de Kock made a mockery of that. The southpaw hit 23 runs in the first over and kept hitting boundaries, thereafter, as well. He produced a destructive knock of 47 runs in just 18 balls at a strike rate of 261.11. His unbeaten knock helped the team reach 51 runs in just 3 overs. However, a couple more rain delay meant the points were shared, eventually.
The fans felt bad for South Africa for not winning the game due to rain. Here’s a look at they reacted on Twitter:
Feel for South Africa here – it could've been an easy win for them requiring just 13 in the last 4 overs. The rain has damaged their victory here, tough luck.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2022
In the 3rd over itself, South Africa was well past what the DLS score was supposed to be at the 5th over mark. But it has to be a minimum 5 over game. Quirks of our wonderful game. #T20WorldCup
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 24, 2022
This game has been full of bizarre tactical calls. Firstly, Zimbabwe batting first & now Bavuma opening the batting. With SA racing against time the decision to open with Bavuma, instead of Stubbs or Markram, could cost them the game. #T20WorldCup
— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) October 24, 2022
South Africa has a 30 year history of getting screwed by the rain in World Cups in Australia.
— cricketingview (@cricketingview) October 24, 2022
"…but unfortunately it seems that the rain has won *again* versus South Africa," says Shaun Pollock on air, with an emphasis on again, that you could feel. #T20WorldCup
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) October 24, 2022
South Africa, rain, ICC tournaments are never good friends.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 24, 2022
South Africa and rains never go along well in World Cup cricket. If the rain stopped in the next 6 minutes, South Africa will win it. #T20WorldCup
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 24, 2022
South Africa and rain is a match made in hell. This single image from 1992 wc sf is proof of it. From needing 22 off 13, rain interruption meant their revised target was 22 of 1 ball. pic.twitter.com/guWhFNxWeF
— Blessing Jokerbani (Perry's version) (@Jokeresque_) October 24, 2022
You got to feel for South Africa ? On resumption the umpires and match officials too took some extra time. #T20worldcup22 #t20worldcup#SportsYaari
— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri) October 24, 2022
Rain gods have never been kind to South Africa #T20worldcup pic.twitter.com/JYjtYVsMNF
— Sritama (Ross Taylor’s version) (@cricketpun_duh) October 24, 2022
