South Africa v West Indies match rained off

The World Cup match between South Africa and the West Indies was abandoned yesterday after persistent heavy rain in Southampton, with both sides earning a point each. Earlier, West Indies paceman Sheldon Cottrell reduced Faf du Plessis’s team to 29 for two before rain stopped play.

South Africa, desperately needing a win after defeats in their first three matches of the tournament, lost the toss and were put in to bat under threatening skies. They were quickly in trouble, with Hashim Amla edging Cottrell to Chris Gayle at slip for just six, sparking the bowler’s trademark celebration featuring a short march and salute.

That brought Aiden Markram to the wicket but he had only made five when he tickled a Cottrell delivery down legside and wicketkeeper Shai Hope completed catch to leave South Africa in deep trouble at 28-2 in seventh over.