Rain washes away South Africa's hopes of Semis

South Africa's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the 2019 World Cup suffered another blow as their game with West Indies in Southampton was washed out.

The Proteas started the tournament with three straight defeats to England, Bangladesh and India  and realistically needed to win their final six group games to make the last four.

However, persistent rain at in Hampshire yesterday meant only 7.3 overs were possible South Africa slipping to 29-2 in with saluting left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell dismissing Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram  as the sides picked up a point apiece.

Cottrell struck in the third and seventh overs against South Africa, having Amla caught off the glove at slip by Chris Gayle and then Markram caught down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Shai Hope after Windies captain Jason Holder elected to bowl having won the toss under leaden skies.

Faf du Plessis men are back in action on Saturday in a must-win game against Afghanistan in Cardiff, a day after West Indies face England in Southampton.

This was the second match of the World Cup to be abandoned because of rain, following the wash-out between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on Friday.

Rain is also forecast later today at Bristol, where Sri Lanka meet Bangladesh, and tomorrow at Taunton, where Australia play Pakistan.