The Proteas will be desperately hoping that their World Cup dreams are not washed away on Saturday, with inclement conditions predicted for their must-win clash against Afghanistan.
READ: Predicting: Proteas XI vs Afghanistan
After a poor start to the competition, losing three games on the trot, the Proteas were hoping to get their first win against the West Indies in Southampton on Monday, but that match was abandoned.
Rain hampered other parts of the country and disrupted other teams’ momentum too.
It started in Bristol, where Pakistan was meant to take on Sri Lanka. That match was abandoned. This was followed by the Proteas’ game against the West Indies in Southampton. Bristol was struck again by rain in a Sri Lanka match when they took on Bangladesh. The most recent case was India’s clash against New Zealand, which was rained out in Nottingham.
Where does this leave the log table?
1 New Zealand remain unbeaten with seven points in four matches.
2 Australia are second after four matches with six points.
3 India have five points after three games.
4 England play the West Indies in their fourth game on Friday and will aim to take their points to six with a win.
5 Sri Lanka have had two rained-out games and sit with four points.
6 The West Indies can take their tally to five points with a win in their fourth game against England on Friday.
7 Bangladesh have three points after four games.
8 Pakistan have three points after four games.
9 South Africa have one point after four games.
10 Afghanistan have zero points and play their fourth game against South Africa.
There are 10 points up for grabs for the Proteas if they can win their remaining five games. But a predicted rain-hampered Saturday in Cardiff awaits them, with 80% precipitation expected.
This will give them two points after five games, and ultimately means their World Cup hopes are out of their hands.
Photo: Apurv Sardeshmukh/@apurvlawyer/Twitter
