SA vs WI 2023 | ODI Opener Washed Off Without a Ball Being Bowled
Buffalo Park was the venue for first ODI (Twitter/CSA)
The first ODI of the three-match series between hosts South Africa and West Indies ended up without a ball being bowled at East London’s Buffalo Park. Earlier, constant rains had delayed the commencement of proceedings before umpires called off play altogether due to wet outfield.
Buffalo Park’s damp-squib affair also prevented toss from taking place as both sides now gear to play the second ODI at the same venue on March 18.
First match washed out as West Indies to wait further for ODI action
West Indies last played an ODI match back in August 2022 against New Zealand. Moreover, their last limited-overs international match was their T20 World Cup 2022 clash against Ireland in Hobart.
Under new captain Shai Hope, the West Indies team was all set to launch its long-awaited ODI preparation in a World Cup year with their series in South Africa. However, Hope and co. will now have to wait out for another couple of days, i.e., if the weather permits at East London for the second match.
The series marks as the continuation of West Indies’ 2023 tour of South Africa, which commenced with two Tests late in February. The hosts won both matches with convincing margins to pocket the series 2-0.
The ODI series between the two sides will be followed by a three-match T20I challenge, with fixtures set to be staged in Centurion and Johannesburg.
