Rain has finally say as South Africa share ODI series with England

LEEDS: The Proteas saw their hopes of beating England in their One-Day International (ODI) series dashed by the weather after the third and decisive match had to be abandoned due to rain at Headingley Stadium in Leeds on Sunday. 

Only 27.4 overs were possible, although that was sufficient time for South Africa to impress through a dashing unbeaten 92 off 76 balls by Quinton de Kock, who struck 13 fours along the way, helping his side reach 159 for two.But the forecasted heavy rain then arrived leaving the officials with no choice but to call off the match. The tourists had won the first match convincingly, before the hosts hit back with an impressive win of their own in a rain-shortened game two on Friday.   

It implies that the three-game series drew 1-1. A three-match T20 International series will follow, beginning on Wednesday. The Proteas won the toss and batted first in Sunday's final, which opened on time.

Janneman Malan fell early on for 11, before De Kock and Player of the Series Rassie van der Dussen (26) put on 75 for the second wicket taking the total to 99 for two. A rain storm halted the match in the 21st over, and when it resumed, Aiden Markram (24 not out) maintained the rhythm with De Kock. The two put up an unbroken 60 for the third wicket when the skies opened up again and the game was called off.

Speaking afterwards, Proteas stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj said: “I think there’s a lot to take out of the series. If you look at the first ODI, it was probably our most clinical performance in the past 18 months. I think if we can just replicate the mindset towards how we approach the games, the adaptation of the wickets was the most crucial thing. If we keep building on the things that we’ve done, then we’ll be okay."

“It was really encouraging in this game to see how Quinny played. It’s great to see a senior play step up in a big game and it’s a pity he didn’t get to continue so we could have seen the outcome of his innings. I think it would have been a spectacular end to what has been a thrilling and wonderful series so far.” 

ODI’s - ENG vs SA:

Tuesday, 19 July 

England lost to South Africa by 62 runs – The Riverside, Durham

Friday, 22 July 

England beat South Africa by 118 runs – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Sunday, 24 July 

No Result (Rain) – England vs South Africa – Headingley Stadium, Leeds