The fifth match of the SA20 between Pretoria Capitals and Durban's Super Giants in Centurion on Sunday, January 12, 2025, was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain and an unplayable wet outfield. (Highlights | More Cricket News)
The game seemed poised for a promising start after Durban's Super Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, the rain had other plans, kicking off a long waiting game that delayed the start of play.
After waiting and waiting, the rain finally stopped, and the ground staff got to work to make the field playable. Both captains had agreed to a revised 5-over per side contest, with a maximum of two overs allowed per bowler.
However, during the warm-ups, safety concerns emerged when Rahmanullah Gurbaz required treatment near the boundary rope, and one of DSG’s assistant coaches slipped during a fielding drill, underscoring the slippery and unsafe conditions on the field.
Despite the ground staff’s determined efforts, using super-soppers and gradually peeling off the covers, the umpires ultimately decided to call off the game.
With little time left to squeeze in any play and the field still slippery, it was the right call to prioritize player safety. While the decision made sense, it was still a letdown for the fans who had shown up in big numbers, hoping to catch some action.
