T20 World Cup: Persistent rain in Hobart robs South Africa of crucial win against Zimbabwe

Match 18 of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 between South Africa and Zimbabwe was called off after numerous spells of rain in Hobart on Monday, October 24.

Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 79-5 on the board when the match got reduced to nine-over-per-side. All-rounder Wesley Madhevere top-scored with 35 off 18 and pulled his team out of hot water.

After getting a life on 11, Madhevere didn’t look back and guided Zimbabwe to a competitive total. The Zimbabweans were just 19-4 after the end of the fourth over. Lungi Ngidi (2/20) was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, claiming the wickets of Regis Chakabva (8) and Sikandar Raza (0).

Due to a rain break ahead of the second innings, the 80-run target was revised to 64 off seven overs.

Chasing the given target, the Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock went berserk and played his shots fearlessly. The southpaw remained unbeaten on 47 off 18 with the help of eight fours and one six as South Africa scored 51 runs in just three overs.

De Kock smashed fast bowler Tendai Chatara for 23 runs, giving his team a blazing start. Next, the left-hander took the attack on Richard Ngarava, and South Africa were 40/0 in their first two overs.

When Temba Bavuma & Co. needed 13 runs off 24 balls, the rain arrived yet again and this time around, it drilled the final nail in the coffin.

The umpires tried their best to get a result out of the game but failed to hold on for the mandatory five overs. Zimbabwe players also complained about the rain, which was hard enough to abandon the game.

Both teams had to settle for a point each as their Super 12 encounter at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart didn’t yield any result.

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October 24, 2022 at 07:41PM