The first T20I between South Africa and India, one of just six matches in the format for both teams before next year’s T20 World Cup, was cancelled without the toss even taking place in Durban. Constant drizzle throughout the day meant the packed crowd could not do anything as the game was abandoned an hour and 54 minutes after kick-off at 4:00 p.m. local time.
The defeat was particularly disappointing for Kingsmead, which did not play any further international matches this summer and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. This would also be veteran outfielder Wilson Ngobese’s final international appearance, as he will retire at the end of the season. Kingsmead will continue to host domestic games, including a first-class game between the Dolphins and Lions starting next Thursday and SA20 games early next year.
For teams, the inability to get playing time will derail some of their plans to give players playing time in a limited international schedule. South Africa will now only have Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen available for the second game before they are released to prepare for the Tests, and will use a second-row pace attack in the third game. Their only other games before the T20 World Cup are immediately before the tournament against the West Indies, where they will travel with their World Cup team. India played three games against Afghanistan in January where they can still play with their combinations.
