Rain prevented play in any of the final three Sunfoil matches, raising the possibility of a lucky lottery if or when any team gets on to the field.

The Warriors (128.04) lead the race and their position will be strengthened by the bleak weather, while the Cobras (127.02), the Knights (124.32) and the Titans (121.58) are all still in with a chance. The Dolphins (114.44) also has a mathematical chance of winning the four-day crown.

If any of the teams start to play, they will have to weigh up the benefits of bonus points and a draw against an outright win.

With their points deficit, the Titans and Knights will be particularly anxious to force a result at Centurion.

Titans coach Mark Boucher said before the match that he would be looking to negotiate with his counterpart, Nicky Boje.

‘I’m sure that with ourselves as well as the Knights still being in a position to win it, if the game does get shortened, we’ll probably chat to see whether we can try and make a game of it,’ he said.

 ‘I’d rather give ourselves a chance of winning it and end fourth or fifth than not win it. I think the Knights, being the defending champions, will also be thinking similarly, so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.’

The Dolphins are up against the Warriors at Kingsmead and the Highveld Lions face the Cape Cobras at Senwes Park.

Teams stand to gain six points each for a draw, with their bonus points; but the ultimate prize is the 16 for a win, plus bonus points.

Bonus points are awarded in the first 100 overs of the first innings: Bowling teams get a point for the third, fifth, seventh and ninth wickets while batting teams get one point at 150 runs, and 0.02 per run thereafter.

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images