April showers brought some relief from an uncomfortable Bengaluru summer, but for those present at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here, this
was of little comfort. The packed house left the venue disappointed, as the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers
Hyderabad (SRH) was called off without a ball being bowled.
The one point gained took RCB (5 points from eight matches) to sixth spot on the points table, while SRH (9 points from eight matches)
stayed in third place.
There was hope that play would start at the scheduled time, when the mild showers stopped and the covers came off in time for the toss. The
players warmed up with a few hits, and the coaching staff took a walk around the venue to inspect the outfield. SRH all-rounder Moises Henriques was the most eager of the lot, as the Australian practiced with zeal. Just as the captains were getting ready to make their way to the middle, it began to drizzle.
The rain did not subside, even as the patient spectators stayed in their seats and hoped for the best. A loud cheer went up every time the umpires entered the field, but there would be no good news.
By around 10.30 p.m., the drizzle turned into a shower. The arrival of thunder and lightning saw the stands slowly empty out. If play could have started by 11.25 p.m., the teams would have engaged in a 5-over shootout. It was not to be.
Earlier this year, the Karnataka State Cricket Association unveiled a new drainage system here, which could get the ground ready for action within minutes of the rain coming to a halt. It will have to be tested on another day.
RCB next faces Gujarat Lions here on Thursday. SRH takes on Kings XI Punjab, at Mohali, on Friday.
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