‘Bhagwan ye kya kiya tune’ – Fans react as SA20 2024’s opening match gets abandoned due to persistent rain

The SA20 2024 got off to a pretty shaky start as the first match of the tournament had to be abandoned by rain. Fans came out in large numbers earlier today to see an exciting game of franchise cricket. Two of the best teams from last season were set to go head to head to begin the SA20 2024 season today. However, the rain gods had also decided to arrive and spoil the South African party.

The fans and the organisers already knew the rain forecast for the match. Prior to the game, according to weather.com, there was a 15–55 percent probability of precipitation throughout match time. Consequently, there was a good chance before the game itself that it would end in a washout. 

The SA20’s reigning winners, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, won the championship by a margin of four wickets last year. In contrast, Sunrisers Eastern Cape defeated the Johannesburg Super Kings by a margin of 14 runs in the second semifinal match. Despite having a strong team, Sunrisers Eastern Cape had emerged as apparent favourites to win today’s game.

Both the teams looked stronger than last season on paper. Two of South Africa’s renowned batters and leaders were set to face off today, in the form of Faf du Plessis and Aiden Markram. Aiden Markram is coming off a stellar hundred in their enthralling clash against India in Cape Town. Faf du Plessis, on the other hand, is eyeing a return to the South African team in the shortest format.

Which side will get the points in this unwanted situation?

Both the teams had been preparing hard for this mega clash. They had a couple of weeks of training and both sides took on the Netherlands national team to be match-fit for the month-long tournament.

Both teams are now going to split the points in this unlikely scenario of the game being abandoned. In their  upcoming games, Sunrisers Eastern Cape will take on the Durban Super Giants. Meanwhile, MI Cape Town will be travelling to face off the Joburg Super Kings in the el-classico. 

Fans react as SA20 2024’s opening match gets abandoned due to persistent rain: 

The inaugural game of the 2024 SA20 has been called without a single bowl being bowled, due to rain. pic.twitter.com/90NQ4G2OF7

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 10, 2024

Waited whole day for #SA20 but it's raining now #SECvJSK pic.twitter.com/zosX2bPwnB

— Pushpa Gadi Ruluuuu 🐉 (@Allu_BhaiFan) January 10, 2024

SA20 opener drained off and the 2nd game is in Durban 🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/L4wdLzr6j2

— Akif #Smithian (@glazedakif) January 10, 2024

Ain't looking good…. #SA20 pic.twitter.com/H5fyWoTgSq

— Hustler (@HustlerCSK) January 10, 2024

Curse of Test Cricket 😅

— Cricket Minister of India (@2_Wickets_Down) January 10, 2024

Ah thats card luck

— ASFAND🏏 (@asfandqaisrani) January 10, 2024

Sad 😢😞😢😢😞

— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) January 10, 2024

Rain 🌧️ dely

— Shabir Ahmad (@ItxmeShabir_56) January 10, 2024

Oh!! bad luck …for chockers once again

— Sameer Qayyum Pure Cricket Lover (@sameerqayyum681) January 10, 2024

That's unfortunate! Rain interruptions can be disappointing, especially for the players and fans eagerly waiting for the game.

— Sport man (@clarkhadd44047) January 10, 2024