The first ODI between India and South Africa was abandoned due to rain here today. Persistent rain throughout the day forced the teams to stay indoors after the warm-up routine in the afternoon. The toss was delayed due to the wet conditions and thereafter the covers never came off at the HPCA Stadium.

A thousand-odd spectators braved the rain, chilly winds and remained glued to their seats till the match was called off officially at 5:20pm.

Earlier, a few spectators were seen trooping into the stadium wearing masks but a majority of them were happy to wear Team India blues and Tricolour tattoos on their mask-less faces. Police personnel deployed at the entry gates to frisk the fans had masks and gloves on.

2nd washout

This is the second consecutive match in Dharamsala to be abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain. On September 15, 2019, the first T20I between India and South Africa was also abandoned.

Ever since Dharamsala hosted its first international match on January 27, 2013 (an ODI between India and England) there have been 11 completed international matches (1 Test, 6 T20Is, 4ODIs) at the venue but two consecutive washouts have raised concerns over the town’s fickle weather. The month of March is generally considered a good time to host matches here but frequent western disturbances in the region and close proximity to the Dhauladhar mountain range make the town’s weather highly unpredictable.

Incidentally, two matches of the first round of the T20 World Cup (Netherlands vs Oman, Bangladesh vs Ireland) were also abandoned due to rain on March 11, 2016.