T20 World Cup 2022: Persistent rain robs South Africa of crucial win vs Zimbabwe after Quinton de Kock blitz

T20 World Cup 2022: South Africa had every chance of beating Zimbabwe in the Super 12 match at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart. However, rain ended up playing spoilsport.

T20 WC 2022: Persistent rain robs SA of crucial win vs ZIM after Quinton de Kock blitz. Courtesy: Reuters

By Sabyasachi Chowdhury: South Africa, on Monday, October 24, were ever so close to opening their account in the T20 World Cup 2022. However, rain ended up playing spoilsport. After numerous spells of rain, the officials gave up the ghost and their game against Zimbabwe was called off.

In the Super 12 match at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, Quinton de Kock went absolutely berserk and played his shots fearlessly. The left-hander stayed unbeaten on 47 runs off 18 balls with the help of eight fours and one six as South Africa finished with 51 in three overs.

De Kock threw the kitchen sink at everything right from the word go. Starting with, De Kock smashed fast bowler Tendai Chatara for 23 runs to take his team off to a flying start. Thereafter, he took the attack to Richard Ngarava and the Proteas scored 40 runs in their first two overs.

Initially, it was decided the game would be a nine-over affair. After opting to bat first, Zimbabwe failed to get going as they lost wickets in heaps. Sikandar Raza, who has been in stupendous form of late, failed to open his account.

But a partnership of 60 between Milton Shumba and Wesley Madhevere off 32 balls helped Zimbabwe post a competitive score of 80 for five on the board. Even as Lungi Ngidi picked up two wickets, Wayne Parnell and Anrich Nortje accounted for one scalp each.

Due to rain during the South African innings, the target of 81 was revised to 64 off seven overs. With 13 runs needed off 24 balls, the rain arrived yet again and this time around, it drilled the final nail in the coffin.

The umpires tried to finish the match, but failed to hold on for five overs. Zimbabwe spinner Sean Williams also complained that the rain was coming down hard enough.