Rain saves Tshwane Spartans from precarious situation
It was the second washout for the Spartans in as many games
The Report by Hemant Brar
13-Nov-2019
AB de Villiers shapes for the reverse scoop • Getty Images
Match abandoned Tshwane Spartans 33 for 4 (de Villiers 10*, van Biljon 3*, Morris 2-8) v Nelson Mandela Bay Giants
Tshwane Spartans were in a precarious position against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants before a floodlight failure, lightning and then rain forced the game to be called off.
The Spartans were 33 for 4 in 7.1 overs when the floodlights malfunctioned at 6.10pm local time. While the players were waiting for power to be restored, a lightning threat forced them indoors. The floodlights were back on in about 40 minutes but then rain made an appearance and the match was eventually called off at 7.35pm.
The Spartans' first game, against Durban Heat, was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The Giants are at the top of the table for now with six points from two games.
The Spartans didn't have a great start after being put in as Chris Morris dismissed Theunis de Bruyn and Dean Elgar in the third over. de Bruyn top-edged a flick in front of square leg, while Elgar failed to put bat to a full toss and was trapped lbw for a first-ball duck.
Vaughn van Jaarsveld fell in the next over when Junior Dala hit the stumps direct at the non-striker's end with the batsman a bit slow to get back in. Dala dented the Spartans further with captain Heinrich Klaasen's wicket to leave them reeling at 28 for 4 in the sixth over.
AB de Villiers tried to rescue them and was batting on 10 along with Pite van Biljon before the external factors had their say.
Hemant Brar is a sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo