Thaindian News

Bangalore, Sept 30 (IANS) Heavy rain for over a hour late Friday held up an exciting contest between spirited Mumbai Indians and underdogs Cape Cobras in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in this tech hub.

Within minutes after Mumbai set a defendable target of 176 for the loss of five wickets in 20 overs, dark clouds opened up over the city centre and the rain came down, even as ground staff scampered to cover the pitch and the outfield.

Though the league matches of the third edition of the CL T20 over the last weeks have not set the stands on fire, about 10,000 die-hard fans of the game have been trooping into the stadium to witness the exciting contests.

With the southwest monsoon in the withdrawal mode, the sudden downpour caught the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) off guard as the garden city has been experiencing hot and humid days and cloudy and breezy nights over the last fortnight.

“As the three matches played here since September 23 were rain-free, the heavy showers after Mumbai completed their innings were unexpected, though dark clouds were hovering since evening,” a KSCA official told IANS even as it was pouring without respite.

With no let-up in the heavy rain even 80 minutes after play stopped during the break, prospects of the Cobras playing receded.

“If further play is not possible, both the teams will share a point as per the tournament rules,” the official said.