‘Our biggest opponent is rain’ – Former cricketer Cobus Olivier believes rain will hamper South Africa’s progress in T20 World Cup 2022

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A two-hour rain delay in spoilsports meant South Africa and Zimbabwe, playing their first Super 12 game, had to share the ICC points T20 World Cup 2022. Play at Bellerive Oval got off to a late start as rain forced the players off the field immediately after the toss.

The Craig Erwin-led side won the toss and elected to bat first, but South Africa’s fast attack opened up quickly. They were four runs down for 19 after four overs which put them on the back foot as South Africa looked clear winners. Although Zimbabwe managed to bowl nine overs, two overs were further shortened due to another round of showers and eventually the umpires had to stop play.

Former cricketer Kobus Olivier has expressed his frustration with the weather conditions in Australia, which could further hamper South Africa’s chances in the last four stages of the World Cup.

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

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

A match that could easily have been South Africa’s win was simply taken out of their hands due to the rain gods showing no mercy. The points split will mean the Proteas will need to win all their next matches to keep alive their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the marquee tournament.

However, the team will be glad to see Quinton de Kock playing sensational cricket against Zimbabwe. His 18-ball 47 was much appreciated but it was all for naught as the team would go into the next match with just a point.