SA vs WI, ICC World Cup 2019: South Africa gain first point in washed-out clash at Southampton

Though the Proteas earned their maiden point in the tournament, they desperately needed two points so as to keep their chances strong

South Africa’s chances of making into the top four got much narrower after their clash against West Indies got abandoned due to heavy rains in Southampton on Monday. As a result, both the sides take one point apiece from the washout. Though the Proteas earned their maiden point in the tournament, they desperately needed two points so as to keep their chances strong. A total of 7.3 overs were bowled by West Indies after which the rain interrupted the game for at least 5 hours. The shower was so heavy that the ground staffs were unable to mop the water out of the field completely. After a thorough inspection, the match officials decided to call off the game. Earlier, the West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first. Their bowling attack continued to haunt the opponents as Sheldon Cottrell got rid of Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram an over before the play halted. Amla attempted to play a crisp cover drive off a delivery that was moving outside off but ended up getting caught by Chris Gayle at the first slip. On the other hand, Markram feathered a delivery down the leg for stumper Shai Hope to complete a catch. When the drizzling began, de Kock was on 17 and was accompanied by skipper Faf du Plessis who was yet to open his account having faced seven deliveries. South Africa next face Afghanistan in Cardiff on Saturday while the West Indies will lock horns with England on June 14.