Champions Trophy | Rain plays spoilsport as Australia, SA share points

It was a disappointing end for the fans.
| Photo Credit: AFP

Relentless rain led to the abandonment of the Champions Trophy group stage fixture between Australia and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Tuesday.

As it rained since early morning, the groundstaff had little scope to get the playing arena ready. Even though there was a cut-off time of 7.32 p.m. (local time) for a possible 20-over contest, heavy downpour and a wet outfield forced the match officials to call off the game at 5.10 p.m., without the toss being held.

For a large number of spectators, who braved the rain and turned up to watch two major teams in action, it was a long wait as the match officials inspected the ground regularly before deciding to abandon the tie. Both South Africa and Australia will share one point each, making Wednesday’s encounter between England and Afghanistan a virtual knockout, with the losing side set to be eliminated.

While the fate of Group A has already been decided with India and New Zealand making the semifinals, the washout has complicated things in Group B. While Australia takes on Afghanistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Friday, South Africa will now travel to Karachi for its final game against England on Saturday.

Both South Africa and Australia have three points from two games while England and Afghanistan have yet to open account having lost their opening encounters.