Relatively have it occur in first sport once we’re nonetheless in charge of what we are able to do: Boucher

Denied by persistent showers, South Africa coach Mark Boucher advised his crew was higher off with a no consequence within the first spherical of the T20 World Cup as an alternative of being knocked out by rain within the knock-outs once more.

Set a goal of 80 in 9 overs by Zimbabwe, which was revised to 64 in seven overs after a short rain interruption in its opening T20 World Cup match, South Africa was cruising at 51 for no loss in three overs, with opener Quinton de Kock going sturdy at an 18-ball unbeaten 47.

Rain, then, got here their method, because it did within the 1992 World Cup semifinals and the 2003 World Cup, resulting in the match being referred to as off.

"Sure, we've not had a great historical past with rain," Boucher mentioned on the post-match press convention.

"However reasonably have it occur within the first sport once we're nonetheless in charge of what we are able to do." The beginning of the match was delayed by greater than two hours, and it was decreased to a nine-overs-per-side affair.

Play resumed after a short interruption one over into South Africa's innings, however as soon as it started to rain once more, umpires Ahsan Raza and Michael Gough determined to name off the match with South Africa 13 runs away from finishing its chase beneath the Duckworth/Lewis technique.

Boucher mentioned his facet was eager to hold on enjoying, with the crew on the verge of victory.

"We're right here to play a World Cup, and we wished to play. It appeared like each captains wished to play at the beginning. Should you have a look at the sport earlier than (on the identical floor, between Bangladesh and the Netherlands), the sector was fairly moist as properly.

"The underside line is gamers do not make these choices. The officers are there to make these choices." Boucher mentioned if Zimbabwe was of their place, it might have additionally wished to proceed enjoying.

"We have been in an excellent place. So if we stroll away from this sport considering we have been exhausting finished by and whether or not the sport ought to have taken place or not ... If Zimbabwe have been in our place they'd have wished to hold on enjoying." Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton mentioned his facet should not have even bowled a ball.

Houghton slammed the circumstances on the Bellerive Oval, saying they have been unsafe and ridiculous".

"I perceive the necessity to attempt to get these video games (performed) for the general public and the individuals watching on TV, and the necessity to attempt to play and get a end in barely inclement climate," Houghton mentioned.

"However I feel we overstepped that mark on this sport. I assumed there have been 4 or 5 overs the place we should always have come off.

"I do not assume we should always have even bowled a ball, to be honest. However the umpires are the blokes making these choices out within the center, and so they appeared to assume it was match to play. I disagree with them however there's not a lot I can do off the sector.

"The rain had acquired so heavy at one stage, it was ridiculous. For a lot of the night, it was misty with mizzle, nevertheless it acquired to the stage the place we might hear it thumping on the roof within the dugout. To me, that is not mizzle and drizzle. That is time to get off the sector.

"I do not assume the circumstances have been proper to hold on enjoying."