There are so many questions right now. Will the series carry on? If yes, will the conditions be overcast again on Sunday? Unfortunately, we don't have many answers but the players' well-being will be taken care of first and rightly so. If the series continues as scheduled, the second ODI will start on Sunday, 28th November at 1000 Local (0800 GMT) but as said earlier, the decision will be taken in the next 24 to 48 hours. Till then, goodbye and take care.
The rain was hovering around right from the start of this match as the conditions were overcast. There was a slight drizzle but enough for the play to finish the first innings. Just the 12 balls were bowled in the second innings and after that, it started pouring like cats and dogs. Not the result we wanted but no one wins against the rain gods. Both teams will be disappointed as they will have to share ICC World Cup Super League points for this game.
The way rain started pouring down in the second half. It was inevitable as the MATCH IS ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN. So much is happening in this series. First, the outbreak that the series has been in jeopardy, and now the first match has been washed out.
UPDATE 1544 Local Time (1344 GMT) - Cricket South Africa and Netherlands Cricket Board have officially released a statement. "Both boards can confirm that they are aware of news reports doing the rounds regarding the Netherlands tour to South Africa being cancelled or postponed, following updated information, it is highly unlikely that the visiting team will be able to fly out of South Africa over the weekend. The KNCB (Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond) is reviewing all of its options, while prioritising the physical and mental well-being of its players. A decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours, while all flight options are being considered."
UPDATE 1458 Local Time (1258 GMT) - Nothing has changed here at Centurion as it is still raining heavily. We might be in for a long halt. Stay tuned for further updates.
BREAKING NEWS - We have some bad news folks. The rest of the ODI matches between South Africa and Netherlands might be in jeopardy due to the new coronavirus strain found in South Africa. We are still awaiting official confirmation from the team management but it looks in danger.
UPDATE 1420 Local Time (1220 GMT) -The umpires have called for the covers. It was turning a bit dark and it started to rain heavily from the past few minutes. The umpire had enough of it and the play has been interrupted due to rain. Still, the players are standing near the dugout. Let's hope the weather changes quickly. Stay tuned for further updates.
In over# 2
0
0
4
0
0
1
Wayne Parnell 5/0(1)
1.6
.
An appeal for caught behind but not given. A length ball, down the leg side. Max O'Dowd seems to have missed his flick and it brushed his pad on its way to the keeper. Keshav Maharaj does not review it. Might be his thigh pad.
We have some bad news folks! It has started raining slightly here at Centurion.
1.5
.
Drags his length back a bit, outside off. Max O'Dowd looks to push but fails to get any bat on it.
1.4
4
FOUR! Nicely driven! A full ball, outside off. Max O'Dowd drives it through point for another boundary.
1.3
.
This was on a length and outside off. Max O'Dowd shoulders arms to it.
1.2
.
Full and on off, pushed to covers.
1.1
1
Starts with a length ball, on middle. Stephan Myburgh pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Wayne Parnell will start from the other end.
In over# 1
4
0
1
0
1
0
Keshav Maharaj 6/0(1)
0.6
4
FOUR! Boundary to end the over. A full ball, outside off. Max O'Dowd drives it nicely through covers for the first boundary of the chase.
0.5
.
Full and on off, pushed to covers.
0.4
1
Flatter and on off. Stephan Myburgh gets an edge as he looks to defend towards point for a single. He is off the mark as well.