The third T20I between South Africa and Pakistan was canceled due to rain, leaving South Africa as the 2-0 T20 series winner. The cricket series now transitions to ODIs in Paarl, followed by further matches in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
The anticipated third T20I match between South Africa and Pakistan in Johannesburg was ultimately abandoned due to inclement weather conditions, with no play having occurred. Initial delays were caused by nearby lightning strikes, followed by consistent rainfall that rendered the pitch unplayable. Despite the groundstaff’s best efforts and optimism when the rain momentarily subsided, they were unable to prepare the field before the weather took a turn for the worse. After approximately two hours of waiting past the scheduled start time, match officials decided to call off the game, concluding with Heinrich Klaasen and Mohammad Rizwan acknowledging the situation with a handshake. As a result, South Africa concluded the T20I series with a 2-0 victory after winning the first two matches.
The series is set to proceed to Paarl, where the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) will take place, shaping up the upcoming cricket fixtures which also include a match in Cape Town, the notable Pink ODI in Johannesburg, and subsequently, two Test matches scheduled in Centurion and Cape Town.
The final T20I match marks the conclusion of the T20 series between South Africa and Pakistan, highlighting the importance of weather conditions in determining the outcomes of sporting events. Rain played a significant role in the abandonment of this match, reflecting challenges faced by organizers in unpredictable climates. The preceding matches had already established South Africa’s dominance in the series, with their narrow wins in the first two T20Is. With the transition to ODIs, both teams will be eager to exhibit their skill under more favorable conditions, contributing to ongoing rivalry within international cricket.
In summary, the third T20I between South Africa and Pakistan was abandoned without any play due to persistent rain, leading to South Africa securing the series 2-0. The shift from T20s to ODIs signifies a new challenge for both teams as they travel to Paarl for the first of three One Day Internationals. This series will further enhance the competitive spirit as each team aims to outperform the other in an extended format of the game.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
