The second one day international (ODI) between South Africa and Zimbabwe at Buffalo Park was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Sunday following persistent overnight rain and drizzle and has been rescheduled to be played as a day-night match on Monday.
A number of high-ranking cricket officials were at the match, including Cricket SA president Ray Mali and CEO Gerald Majola and Zimbabwe chairperson Peter Chingoka and Inernational Cricket Council president Percy Sonn. Plans were made to postpone the match until Monday, when an official day-night match would take place.
”East London has been striving for a long time to get an ODI, and we owe it to the people of East London to play a match here,” Majola said.
”We just want to play a game and both teams need to play,” the South African coach, Mickey Arthur added.
A number of spectators braved the bitterly cold weather to watch the game, but after an official announcement was made of the postponement at about 1pm, the spectators made off slowly.
All tickets for Sunday could be used for the game on Monday.
”Spectators need just present their ticket stubs,” said Themba Lupuwana, the CEO of the Border Cricket Board.
”I’m very disappointed,” said bank official Warren Whitfield, who had arrived at the game early on Sunday morning.
”I have to work tomorrow and will be unable to attend.” – Sapa