SA vs ZIM: "I Don't Think We Should Have Even Bowled A Ball, To Be Fair" - Zimbabwe Coach Dave Houghton Slams Match Officials For Resuming The Game Despite Heavy Rain

The Super 12 match in the ICC T20 World Cup between Zimbabwe and South Africa was washed out due to rain at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart, on Monday, October 24. South Africa and Zimbabwe shared a point each in Group 2.

The match at the Bellerive Oval had a delayed start due to persistent rain. Zimbabwe batted first in a nine-over contest and scored 79. In the run chase, Proteas opener Quinton de Kock came out all guns blazing and slammed 23 runs in the first over.

The left-handed wicket-keeper was batting on 47 runs off 18 deliveries and it seemed a matter of time before the Proteas got past the finish line. The Proteas needed 13 runs off 24 balls to secure their first win of the tournament before the game was called off.

Dave Houghton has criticized the umpires’ decision to continue the Super 12 match against South Africa despite heavy rain. The Zimbabwean coach said that the conditions were difficult for both the teams, especially for the Zimbabwean bowlers.

Umpires Thought It Was Fit To Play And I Disagree With Them – Dave Houghton

“I understand the need to try and get these games for the public and everybody else. I understand the need for us to try and play in slightly inclement weather to try and get a result, but I thought we have to accept that mark in this game and I thought we should have come off four or five overs ago,” Houghton was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference.

“I don’t think we should have even bowled a ball, to be fair, but the umpires are the guys making those decisions out in the middle. They thought it was fit to play and I disagree with them, but there’s not much I can do off the field,” he stated.

Zimbabwe, who batted first after winning the toss, struggled to get off to a good start, with none of their top four batters reaching double figures. Wesley Madhevere and Milton Shumba made an unbeaten partnership of 55 to help their team reach a respectable total.

We Could Hear Thumping On The Rooftop In The Dugout – Dave Houghton

“Look, I thought the rain had got so heavy at one stage, it was ridiculous. I mean for most of the afternoon and evening, it was misty. But it got to the stage where we could hear a thumping on the rooftop in the dugout. That’s time to get off the field. I don’t think the conditions were right to carry on playing,” Houghton added.

South Africa are now in a tricky spot in a group with heavyweights India and Pakistan. Only two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.

Also read: IND vs NED: “That Was Crucial Stage Of The Match, It Should Have Been Referred To The Third Umpire” – Former Pakistan Skipper Shahid Afridi Expresses His Opinion On No-Ball Controversy