The first T20I game between India and South Africa was called off due to never-ending rain even without the toss taking place.
The weather had continued the same for a couple of nights leading up to the game as well, with afternoon rain even washing out India’s outdoor practice on the eve of the match. The forecast remained similar for the matchday as well, though it looked as if it would get cleared before the scheduled time of play.
However, there was no such reprieve. With the rain starting around afternoon persisted till late evening, and flashing clear skies, the major part of ground remained securely under covers even at the scheduled time of toss.
A huge crowd that had turned in despite the bad weather conditions had to leave upset despite staying in for a couple of hours, with no official word on compensation. With the rain not relenting, the game was officially called off at 7:45 pm IST.
The match comes in the early stages of training, for both teams, leading into the T20 World Cup in Australia next year. India had questions around their opening slot of Dhawan, as well as spin combination and their common issue the No.4 slot while South Africa, with the inexperience in their squad, and under a new captain has a keen eye on the way forward.
With the rain in Dharamshala, the scoreline of the series is 0-0. India’s next T20 game of the series is on September 18 in Mohali.
