first T20 international between India and South Africa was abandoned on Sunday, without a ball being bowled due to heavy downpour that left a near-capacity crowd disappointed. While re was a prediction of a sharp drizzle in afteron, wear forecast indicated that it would all clear out before  evening, however, incessant rains kept game from ever starting, with  hopes of even having a five-over per side encounter.

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Rain plays spoilsport

A spell of thundershowers happened in afteron and by 5:30 pm it seemed that rain had subsided with spectators thronging into stadium. Just when ground staff at HPCA Stadium were working in full force, a second spell completely spoilt evening as it was clear that even shortest possible game cant be conducted in such circumstances with multiple puddles created at outfield. worst sufferer was certainly common fans, who had come from all nearby districts as well as from Chandigarh and Delhi to watch match. With most of stands t having any overhead cover, spectators were seen pulling off in-stadia hoardings which worked as temporary “umbrellas” to save mselves from getting drenched.

However, all matches under aegis of BCCI are covered under insurance policy and HPCA will t stand to lose any money. Since toss was also t held, viewing public will get a refund of ir tickets. second T20 International will be played at Mohali on Wednesday while third and final game will be held in Bengaluru on September 22.

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Virat Kohli on experimenting with new players

While addressing media ahead of first T20I against South Africa at Dharamshala on Sunday, Indian skipper Virat Kohli spoke about trying new players with 30 matches left before ICC World T20 2020.

"We have 30 matches left before World T20 and this is best opportunity for us to try and check what our best combination is in next 2-3 series. We will also understand how much ability, character and composure new players posses while performing at international level."

"From that point of view, it becomes very exciting for a captain and team manment to fit different players in combination and see how y perform because we all have been through that process. So, it feels good when new players come and express mselves", he said.

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(With PTI Inputs)