Rain plays spoilsport as first T20I abandoned in Durban | SAvsIND
Xtra Time Web Desk: The first T20I encounter between India and South Africa was abandoned due to persistent rain at Kingsmead, Durban on Sunday, December 10. Despite the anticipation of a thrilling match, the toss never occurred, disappointing fans who had gathered in large numbers. The extended wait and continuous drizzle prompted the umpires to inspect the field, ultimately leading to the abandonment of the match.
This setback has hindered India's preparations for the T20 World Cup 2023, leaving them with only five T20Is before the tournament in June. Besides the remaining two T20Is in South Africa, India is scheduled to face Afghanistan in three match T20I series in January at home, serving as crucial preparation for the marquee event in the West Indies and the USA.
The cancellation at Kingsmead temporarily thwarted India's quest for a perfect team composition. With the IPL 2024 preceding the T20 World Cup, the Indian think-tank, led by stand-in captain Suryakumar, recognizes the significance of the IPL in identifying the ideal squad. Surya emphasized the 14 league games in the IPL as a valuable opportunity for assessment.
Despite the reliance on the IPL, international matches carry unparalleled weight in building player confidence. The cancellation in South Africa deprives newcomers like Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, and others of a chance to showcase their skills, forcing them to wait until the second match at St George’s Park in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) on Tuesday.
