The overcast conditions at Kingsmead set the stage for the first Test between Sri Lanka and South Africa. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and opted to field, a decision that paid off early. Asitha Fernando struck in the third over, dismissing Aiden Markram, and the hosts were quickly in trouble. The pressure mounted as Vishwa Fernando removed Tony de Zorzi in the next over, leaving South Africa at 15/2. Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma then combined to steady the ship, adding 32 runs to move the score to 46/2 by the 15th over. However, the conditions were still favouring the pacers, who were extracting plenty of swings. This eventually led to Stubbs’ dismissal in the 16th over. Lahiru Kumara then showcased his skill, sending David Bedingham back in the 18th over with a superb delivery. Despite the setbacks, Kyle Verreynne and Bavuma responded by accelerating the innings, taking the score to 80/4 in 20.4 overs. Just as the momentum seemed to shift, rainfall intervened, bringing an early end to the session and calling for lunch five minutes ahead of schedule.
Unfortunately, the rain didn’t let up, continuing to pour throughout the afternoon and an early tea was called. However, the rain halted for a bit but just as the groundsmen began removing the covers, the rain intensified once again, making any further play unlikely. With the conditions deteriorating, the match officials had no choice but to call off play for the day. The game will resume tomorrow for Day two, with hopes of better weather conditions.
Rain delay
Cricket test matches: South Africa 80-4 vs Sri Lanka before rain delay on day one at Kingsmead, Durban, Sky Sports; New Zealand vs England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch stratus at 11pm, TNT Sports. #Cricket
— Andrew Duncan (@andrewsduncan1) November 27, 2024
Why?
I know a lot of you will be thinking…”why does Kingsmead still get tests?🤔”…”it’s always raining in Durban this time of year🤔”…and my answer to all that is: SHUT YOUR DAMN MOTHERFUCKING PIEHOLES!😤 THIS IS THE SUMMER OF CRICKET AND NOBODY DOES SUMMER BETTER THAN US!
— Mthoko Ntshingila (@Mnchingy10) November 27, 2024
Rain has the final say as the officals call early stumps in Durban. Only one session of play was possible in which the home team South Africa scored 80 runs while the Sri Lankan bowlers accounted for 4 wickets! SA – 80/4 at stumps on Day 1 #SAvSL #Durban #Kingsmead
— Cric Trend (@crictrend_) November 27, 2024
Play called off
Play called off because of rain in Durban. That’s it, I’ve had enough, let KZN secede, at least we won’t have to put up with rained-out Tests at Kingsmead, the Sharks, or Jacob Zuma anymore
— Marius Roodt (@MariusCRoodt) November 27, 2024
Just in
JUST IN: Play officially called off at Kingsmead due to rain
Proteas 80/4 in the first Test against Sri Lanka#Proteas #SAvSL #Cricket— Ashfak Mohamed (@ashfakmohamed) November 27, 2024
When will we learn, Kingsmead equals rain, so many games now, could cost us the WTC final if this is a draw..
— Gills (@gpricey23) November 27, 2024
Love it?
Used to love Kingsmead but it’s now well and truly at the bottom of the pile in terms of cricket grounds in South Africa.
— Dale (@ncakos316) November 27, 2024
Why?
why do we even play cricket in kingsmead – we either lose or it rains or both
— kreyan (@crayonUTD) November 27, 2024
I really don’t understand why Kingsmead keeps on getting cricket test matches because it’s always raining, wicket is flat and then there’s the inevitable issue of bad light.
— NANDE (@Nandetron) November 27, 2024
Just 33%
the proteas have a 33% win record at Kingsmead in tests and we’ve never beaten Sri Lanka there in 3 matches, probably shouldn’t have taken them there 😂
— mark grayson (@thatomokoena10) November 27, 2024
