MATCH CALLED OFF Not surprisingly, with no play possible after the first 7.3 overs, the match has been called off. Both teams bag a point each. And even as South Africa get their first points in the tournament, the result has further dented their chances.
South Africa have suffered three losses in a row © Getty
Kaushik adds: There's a beeline towards the exit gates. I think the fans think this is a shut case. All the covers are back on - square and the runups covered. As a kid, I thought being a groundsman was a cool profession, you get to watch games from so close without doing much. Last two games I've realised, I was stupid as a kid.
Update from our reporter at the venue, Kaushik: "The hover cover is coming off but those pushing it are on standby as it's gotten dark again. It's not raining but we might have a light situation"
As we wait for the rain to end at the Bowl, here's some update on Jos Buttler's injury from our correspondent, Vithushan: "Jos sustained heavy bruising on his right hip during the match against Bangladesh at Cardiff. He is responding well to treatment and will be reassessed later this week. We anticipate he will train with the rest of the squad at the Hampshire Bowl on Wednesday ahead of the match against West Indies on Friday."
Rain has halted play. And expect this to be only the first of many times in the day.
WICKET Even before South Africa can make an impact in the game, they have lost their second wicket. Aiden Markram falls for 5, playing down the leg side. Shannon Cottrell with his second wicket.
WICKET Hashim Amla's poor form continues. Sheldon Cottrell angles a ball away from him and he pokes it to Chris Gayle at slips. Cottrell brings out the salute, Gayle holds the ball up. With the catch has gone past Carl Hooper and Brian Lara (120) for most ODI catches by a West Indian.
Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla have walked out to open the batting for South Africa. Sheldon Cottrell with the first new ball for West Indies.
TOSS: West Indies win toss, opt to bowl.The big news coming in is that Andre Russell misses out today due to injury. Evin Lewis is also injured. Darren Bravo and Kemar Roach come in. South Africa bring in Beuran Hendricks and Aiden Markram.
Teams:
West Indies (Playing XI): Chris Gayle, Shai Hope(w), Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder(c), Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas
South Africa (Playing XI): Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(w), Faf du Plessis(c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Beuran Hendricks
Hello and welcome to Match 15 of the 2019 ICC World Cup. It is still early days in the tournament, and yet South Africa find themselves in a situation where they can be counted out from the possibility of making it to the top 4. If on-field woes weren't enough, the AB de Villiers-saga has just added to their distraction. And coming up against them is a resurgent West Indian side, who have their own point to prove. Quite a bit at stake for Faf du Plessis's men today.
As we wait for the toss, here's something you can read: