‘Our biggest rival is really the rain’- Former cricketer Kobus Olivier believes rain will hamper South Africa’s progress in T20 World Cup 2022

A two hour delay due to rain playing spoilsport meant that South Africa and Zimbabwe, playing their first game of the Super 12 were to share points in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The game at the Bellerive Oval got off to a late start as drizzle forced the players off the field right after the toss.

The Craig Ervine-led side won the toss and opted to bat first but were swiftly opened up by South Africa’s pace attack. They were four down at 19 after four overs that put them in the backfoot as South Africa seemed like clear winners. Though Zimbabwe managed to bat the nine overs, two overs were further reduced owing to another round of showers and eventually the umpires had to call the game off.

Former cricketer Kobus Olivier expressed his disappointment with the weather conditions in Australia that could further cost South Africa’s chances in the last four of the World Cup.

“Our biggest rival is really the rain, its not India, not Australia, its rain! It is just unbelievable how people used to say we choke but I think its not the choking anymore, it’s the rain,” said Olivier on BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti show on CricTracker.

South Africa will need to win all fixtures to keep last four hopes alive

A match that could have easily been South Africa's win, was just snatched away from their hands due to the rain gods not showing any mercy. Sharing points would mean that the Proteas will need to win all their forthcoming matches in order to keep their semi-final hopes alive in the marquee tournament.

The side, however, will be delighted to see Quinton de Kock playing some sensational cricket against Zimbabwe. His 18-ball 47 was much appreciated but all in vain as the squad will move to the next fixture with just a point under their belt.