Champions League T20: Rain washes out Lions vs Scorchers clash
Torrential rain at the Motera Stadium forced the fourth match of Champions League T20 to be called off without a single delivery being bowled.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: September 23, 2013 05:23 PM IST
Highveld Lions and Perth Scorchers were looking for an outright win in their opening Champions League T20 match. Rain however forced a cancellation and washed away all preparations and plans. Here is what transpired in the middle.
1714 hrs IST: Match called off! That's that as far as the first match of the day is concerned. Umpires have opted to call it off as incessant rain continues to lash Ahmedabad. Not a single delivery was bowled after Lions won the toss and chose to field against Scorchers.
1710 hrs IST: Here is a a quick recap of what has been happening since toss: Rain threatens to play spoilsport in Ahmedabad
1645 hrs IST:The cut-off time for this match is 1840. With rain still pouring, fingers remain crossed as the second match of the day - Mumbai Indians vs Otago Volts - is also scheduled to be played here.
1615 hrs IST:Umpires to assess conditions in about 40 minutes from now as there is no let-up in showers.
We're still waiting for the rain to go away, but unfortunately got no good news for you #OrangeNation, it doesn't look good #CLT20 #nofear
- Perth Scorchers (@ScorchersBBL) September 23, 2013
1550 hrs IST: As rain continues to pour here, presenting a few interesting numbers from previous CLT20 matches between Australian and South African clubs:
#Brad Haddin has the record of most catches in a single innings when he played for Sydney Sixers against Highveld Lions on October 18, 2012.
# Michael Klinger of South Australia and Alviro Petersen of Lions scored fifties at Centurion on September 12, 2010, providing the lone instance of captain-opening batsmen scoring fifties in CLT20
1535 hrs IST: Weather update: It is currently 31 degree celsius in the city. And it is dark as dusk with a thick cloud cover. Strong winds though may just push them away although the ground staff is keeping a close watch. 1540 hrs IST: And in just five minutes, the clouds open up and it is poring here at the Motera.
1530 hrs IST: Toss! Highveld Lions call it right and opt to bowl against Perth Scorchers. Petersen looks confident of being able to restrict the opposition but Perth skipper Katich adds he will hope to put plans to proper execution.
1520 hrs IST: Founded in 2011, Perth Scorchers stand in Lions' way as skipper Simon Katich hopes to lead his men to success in the sub-continent. The team played Champions League last year and have shown they have the firepower to stun opposition into submission. (Read Perth vs Lions preview here)
1510 hrs IST: Highveld Lions have previously played Champions League in 2011-12 and finished as runners up. A strong South African side, the team is led by Alviro Petersen and has the likes of a Imran Tahir, Lon abo Tsotsobe and Sohail Tanvir in the ranks. Another man to watch out for is Neil McKenzie who recently said that playing Perth in the opener would benefit his side.
1500 hrs IST: The Motera Stadium here gets its first taste of CLT20 2013 cricket as Highveld Lions of South Africa face off against Perth Scorchers of Australia in Monday's first match. Both teams bring several big names to the middle but it sure will be all about which team combines better to register a win.