Rain brings premature end to first one-day international

Torrential rain 38 overs into the South African innings drove the players from the field and brought a premature end to the first Standard Bank one-day international at the North West stadium in Potchefstroom on Friday.

At that stage South Africa were well-placed at 191 for two after being sent in by New Zealand. And there had been time enough in the game for Nicky Boje to post his first ODI century. Boje was unbeaten on 105 when the heavens opened after reaching triple figures off just 89 balls.

He shared in a 129-run second wicket stand with Boeta Dippenaar who made 57 after being used as a one day opener for the first time.

Dippenaar was out top-edging an attempted sweep off Chris Harris to be caught at short third man after an innings which started confidently but then lost momentum the longer it went on.

The other South African wicket to fall was that of Gary Kirsten, who was caught by Chris Cairns at mid on off Shayne O'Connor for 13. The experienced Kirsten had an off day, never quite finding his timing during his short stay at the crease.

Boje, though, was a revelation coming in at three. He had clearly been given license to play his shots and although he went through the air in the early stages, his placement was almost always immaculate as he chased New Zealand around a slick outfield.

Even before the match, storm clouds around Potchefstroom had threatened and there was an 80-minute break for a shower and light hail after 33 overs. And when the real storm broke soon after play had resumed, it quickly swamped the ground.

The match was the first ODI to be played at the North West Stadium and the result will have satisfied no one.

The second ODI will be played in Benoni on Sunday.