Rain stops India’s chase, South Africa win by 11 runs

Johannesburg: Rain played spoilsport for India in the one-off Twenty20 international at the Wanderers here Friday, as chasing a mammoth total of 220 to win with a staggering average of 11 runs per over, the Men-In-Blue started off on a fantastic note with Gautam Gambhir (49) and Robin Uthappa (11) taking the attack to the opposition. India were cruising well at 71 for no loss in just 7.5 overs when the showers came down heavily, prompting everyone to run for cover. With no chance of the play to resume, South Africa won by 11 runs via the Duckworth Lewis Method.

The game was headed towards an exciting finish but rain played spoilsport to bring down the curtain early on what was supposed to be a tribute to the veteran South African cricketer Jacques Kallis for his contribution to the sport. The proceeds from the match will also go to Kallis' foundation that provides scholarship to talented cricketers from underprivileged areas. South African president Jacob Zuma was also among the fans cheering for the home team.

Earlier, scintillating knocks from Colin Ingram and veteran Jacques Kallis powered South Africa to a mammoth 219 for four in 20 overs.

Man of the Match Ingram top scored with 78 while Kallis struck 61. They dded 119 runs for the second wicket after a good start by local hero Richard Levi, who scored 19 runs off seven balls.

For India, part-time spinner Suresh Raina picked up two wickets but leaked 49 runs while left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan picked up one wicket, giving away 44 runs from four overs.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, however, was most impressive giving away 33 runs from four overs and also picked up the crucial wicket of Kallis.

Cameos from debutant Farhaan Behardien (20 not out), Justin Ontong (22) and Albie Morkel (16 not out) took South Africa past the 200-run mark.