By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The first ODI between the Proteas and the Netherlands ended in a no-result after rain caused the match to be abandoned with the Netherlands on 11 without loss in two overs after South Africa had compiled 277 for eight at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
Kyle Verreynne’s 95 and Andile Phehlukwayo’s 22-ball 48 that guided South Africa to 277/8 should have been the highlight of the day.
However, rain intervened two overs into the Netherland’s innings and ended the game with the visitors on 11/0, from where the new Covid-19 variant took centre-stage.
Identified on Tuesday, the B.1.1.529 variant spreads faster than those that have gone before and carries more mutations, leading to fears that it could adversely affect the efficacy of vaccines. Initial indications were that the Dutch had decided to go home after meeting with CSA on Friday, even as their team were at Centurion playing the first of three scheduled ODIs.
With several countries having tightened restrictions for travellers from southern Africa in light of the detection of the new variant, the players would likely have to spend time in quarantine on their return to the Netherlands.
The Dutch may struggle to make the journey, with flights being cancelled because of the prevalence of the new variant. They may yet have to remain in South Africa for what would have been the duration of the series, which was set to end on Wednesday.
A CSA release on Friday afternoon left the issue in the balance: “Both boards can confirm that following updated information, it is highly unlikely that the visiting team will be able to fly out of South Africa over the weekend. The KNCB [Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond] is reviewing all of its options, while prioritising the physical and mental well-being of its players. A decision on the continuation of the series will follow in the next 24 to 48 hours, while all flight options are being considered.”
India A are also in South Africa to play three four-day matches in Bloemfontein, but it seems that visit is not under threat. The South Africans will be desperate for that to remain the case: India’s senior side are due to tour in December and January, a venture that would pump millions of dollars into cash-strapped CSA’s coffers.
England abandoned their men’s white-ball series in South Africa in December with half the six matches unplayed in the wake of positive tests for coronavirus at their hotel, and in February Australia postponed a Test series scheduled for March and April over pandemic fears. Australia’s women’s team followed suit, calling off a white-ball tour in March 10 days before the first match was to have been played.