First T20I abandoned due to rain

DURBAN: The first of the two Twenty20 Internationals between South Africa and Pakistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain here at the Kingsmead on Friday.

Rain fell for most of the afternoon and was still falling at the scheduled time for the toss.

Although the pitch area was covered there were large puddles on the outfield and ground staff said it would have taken at least two hours to get the field ready if the rain stopped.

The umpires called off the match about half an hour after it was due to start.

The second and final T20I will be played at Centurion on Sunday.

South Africa and Pakistan will also play five one-day internationals, starting in Bloemfontein on March 10.