As it happened | SAvWI: Match has been abandoned

The match was abandoned on after persistent heavy rain in Southampton, with both sides earning a point each. 

It's still raining...

Match summary so far

South Africa laboured to 29 for two from 7.3 overs before rain stopped play in their must-win clash. 

West Indies won the toss and elected to bowl under heavy skies, picking up the wickets of Hashim Amla (6) and Aiden Markram (5), both off the bowling of seamer Sheldon Cottrell (2-18).

Quinton de Kock (17 not out) and captain Faf du Plessis, who has yet to score, are at the crease for South Africa, who lost their opening three games of the tournament and are in desperate need of victory or face an embarrassing early elimination.

Rain had been predicted throughout the day in Southampton, with the outfield already slow, making scoring boundaries more difficult.

The reports suggest that the rain got heavier in Southampton. 

The play has been stopped due to rain. Although, the rain is not that heavy but still, the umpires have asked for the covers. 

After 7 overs, the score is 28/2. 

Wicket!

Sheldon Cottrell strikes again...

Aiden Markram out after scoring 5 runs. 

Next batsman is Faf du Plessis. 

Wicket!

Hashim Amla departs after scoring 6 runs. 

Sheldon Cottrell gets the breakthrough. 

Next batsman is Aiden Markram. 

South Africa are 11/1 after 3 overs. 

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla are at the crease and Sheldon Cottrell will launch the bowling attack. 

Conditions:

In the morning, it was drizzling but the spectators are hopeful that the rain will stay away during the match. 

Both the teams are out on the field to sing their national anthems. 

The match will start in less than 5 minutes. 

Toss:

Jason Holder won the toss and West Indies opted to bowl first against South Africa. 

South Africa made two changes, bringing in Aiden Markram and Beuran Hendricks in the playing XI. 

West Indies too had a couple of forced changes as they included Darren Bravo in place of Andre Russell, who is batting a fitness issue and replacing Evin Lewis with Kemar Roach. 

Playing XI:

West Indies: Chris Gayle, Darren Bravo, Shai Hope(w), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Kemar Roach 

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(w), Faf du Plessis(c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Beuran Hendricks. 

Squads:

West Indies (From): Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope(w), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder(c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Darren Bravo, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Fabian Allen

South Africa (From): Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(w), Faf du Plessis(c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Tabraiz Shamsi, Beuran Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Aiden Markram

Live action will begin soon...

Preview:

South Africa need to put aside the fallout from their decision to overlook AB de Villiers and their injury issues when they face the West Indies in the Cricket World Cup on Monday, said key bowler Kagiso Rabada. 

It was confirmed last week that De Villiers, regarded as one of the world’s leading batsmen, had approached South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson about a return to the side having retired from international cricket last May. 

The approach was rebuffed by South Africa`s selectors but was reported in the media at a difficult time for the team after they lost their opening three matches of the World Cup to England, Bangladesh and India. 

"There has been a lot happening off the field, so it`s a bit of a weird stage for the Proteas," Rabada told a news conference on Sunday. 

South Africa’s World Cup chances have also been hit by injuries to fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi. 

"We have to deal with what we have. There is no point complaining about it,” Rabada said. 

"Unfortunately, we`ve had quite a few problems in this tournament with injuries and we`ve had to work our way around it. 

"We just need a few things to click... We`re looking to turn it around tomorrow."
Rabada will be South Africa`s lead attack bowler in a match they must win to keep alive their slim hopes. 

"We need a few things to click and we are working our way around it. And so we are looking to turn it around tomorrow. 

"We have done our analysis already. We`ve put our plans in place.  

"The West Indies are a dangerous team. When they get going, they can really hurt the opposition, so we are aware of their threat. But we believe that we can beat them," Rabada added.

Hello! And welcome to the Match 15 of the Cricket World Cup 2019 which is between South Africa and West Indies at the Southampton.

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