After the loss of a few early wickets, South Africa recovered to 157-3 when the heavens opened and no more play was possible in the third ODI in Hamilton.

Brendon McCullum won the toss and inserted South Africa with the knowledge that the weather might interrupt proceedings. The bowlers made use of the overcast conditions, getting some movement with the new ball.

Matt Henry was rewarded with the last ball of the sixth over when he sent Hashim Amla on his way for 12. He then accepted a caught and bowled opportunity in his next over to see the back of Rilee Rossouw for a duck.

The scoreboard read 40-2 after 7.5 overs when David Miller walked to the crease with a chance to spend some much needed time in the middle. The powerful left-hander looked dominant, playing some lovely strokes on his way to 17. He was then bowled by a Jimmy Neesham yorker after looking set.

AB de Villiers joined Quinton de Kock in the middle with South Africa on 70-3 after 16.5 overs. The two put on a wonderful partnership to take the visitors to a position of strength. De Kock brought up his first half-century of the series off 67 deliveries.

The opener pushed on, reaching 80 off 94 balls and looked good for yet another ODI century in his young career when the heavens opened. De Villiers had compiled a 37-ball 33 at the other end and the two had taken the score to 157-3 after 30.4 overs when the players were forced from the field.

The ground staff put in a valiant effort, running on and off the field with covers and super soppers, but the rain never abated. The weather radar also showed an ominously dark screen, which indicated the weather would only get worse as the afternoon progressed.

The umpires eventually surrendered and officially abandoned the game. The wash out means that South Africa win the three-match ODI series 2-0. They needed to win 3-0 to reclaim the N0 1 position in the ICC rankings, but they will be thrilled about their performance in world cup conditions.

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