Heat, Spartans share points after rain washes out Durban game
When the umpires walked out at 1pm local for an inspection, they were welcomed with a shower, and that forced them to abandon the game
ESPNcricinfo staff
09-Nov-2019
Spectators at Kingsmead take cover from the rain • Getty Images
Durban Heat v Tshwane Spartans
Match abandoned without a ball bowled
Match abandoned without a ball bowled
The second game of MSL 2019, between hosts Durban Heat and visitors Tshwane Spartans, was called off even without a toss due to rain and then a wet outfield.
The contest, that was set to have AB de Villiers facing off against Alex Hales, was called off at 1.10pm local, forty minutes after the scheduled time for toss. When the umpires walked out at 1pm local for an inspection, they were welcomed with a shower, and that forced them to abandon the game altogether.
There were always doubts over the game after overnight rain hit Durban over the past 24 hours. But the hope of a match arose after the rain stopped in the afternoon. Unfortunately for the teams, the combination of a wet outfield together with a second spell of rain ended all hopes of a contest.
According to weather reports, Durban is expected to receive more rain in the days to follow, although the next game - Heat v Paarl Rocks - at Kingsmead is on November 15. For Spartans, their next game is on November 13, when they host Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at Centurion.
