No result (Match abandoned with a toss)
Guwahati doesn't get too many opportunities to host international cricket and therefore, this result will be a massive disappointment for the ACA and of course, the huge crowd that had thronged in, for this game. We've heard of wet outfield playing spoilsport but it was a rare event today, with the surface seeing two wet patches at either ends. Those were massive dents, given that the otherwise, the ground had dried up quite well despite the rain delays. Definitely, an enquiry will go into this incident. The caravan shifts to Indore for the next T20I that will be played on 7th January 2020. Do join us for that one. Until next time, it's goodbye.
21:54 Local Time, 16:24 GMT, 21:54 IST: That is the end of that. After a delay of nearly three hours, the game has been called off. With the damp patches on the pitch not drying up, it was always going to be Mission Impossible to get the game started.
21:25 Local Time, 15:55 GMT, 21:25 IST: Live pictures show that everything seems alright except for those all-important patches on the surface. Unfortunately, that's the most vital criteria and with time running out, the writing seems to be on the wall.
21:12 Local Time, 15:42 GMT, 21:12 IST: We shall have another inspection at 21:30 local time. The cut-off for having a five-over game is 21:46 local.
20:59 Local Time, 15:29 GMT, 20:59 IST: Okay, am I dreaming? The hair dryer and a steam iron is being used now. Quite clearly, that patch on the surface is refusing to budge. Live pictures show the two umpires having a look on the pitch, kneeling and having a feel with their hands. Seems like there is a patch at both ends of the track. The umpires do not seem pleased and we could be in for another delay.
20:37 Local Time, 15:07 GMT, 20:37 IST: Akash tells us that a light roller is also helping the vacuum cleaner with the pitch repair. Kohli, Dhawan and Pant out there. Fireworks going off now. All three are inspecting the pitch.
20:23 Local Time, 14:53 GMT, 20:23 IST: The rain has stopped and the pitch repair act continues with the vacuum cleaner.
20:12 Local Time, 14:42 GMT, 20:12 IST: Just as the vacuum cleaner was trying its hardest to dry the patches, the rain has returned. Covers are brought on, with an extra layer being put on the pitch this time around.
20:05 Local Time, 14:35 GMT, 20:05 IST: A vacuum cleaner is being brought onto the ground to dry up those damp patches on the track.
20:02 Local Time, 14:32 GMT, 20:02 IST: Okay, the inspection at 20:15 local has gone for a toss. The new time will be 21:00 local. Clearly, those damp patches on the track are the main concern.
Suyash Gupta: When will we start losing overs? -- I guess we have entered that territory right about now.
19:59 Local Time, 14:29 GMT, 19:59 IST: It looks like a bit of water has seeped onto the pitch and it hasn't amused the Indian captain. Kohli seemed quite unhappy and did point it out to the umpires who had also noticed it. This could be a patch of concern.
19:55 Local Time, 14:25 GMT, 19:55 IST: The BCCI have tweeted "It has stopped raining and we will have an inspection at 8.15 PM IST."
19:48 Local Time, 14:18 GMT, 19:48 IST: The rain seems to have stopped completely. The two umpires are making their way out to the middle for an inspection of the ground conditions. They're having a chat with the groundstaff. The main cover has come off.
19:43 Local Time, 14:13 GMT, 19:43 IST: The rain has gotten heavier again. The frustrating wait continues.
Shikhar Dhawan: Lots of injuries last year, but it's part and parcel of the game. It's a new year, looking forward to a new start. I always take things in a positive manner. Injuries are natural, just take them in my stride. Looking forward to score lots of runs this year, be a more impactful player, win matches for my team and win the World Cup. This series is a good opportunity for me to score runs. Am always developing my game, developing new shots.
19:19 Local Time, 13:49 GMT, 19:19 IST: Live pictures show that the drizzle is still on. It's not that heavy but just enough to delay proceedings. The supersopper is doing its job at one part of the ground.
Nitish Bhardwaj: Excited to see Shikhar & Jasprit coming back after their injury. If they both played well (which I hope so) then, it would not be an easy task for selectors to pick & for captain to take them in playing 11.
19:14 Local Time, 13:44 GMT, 19:14 IST: The intensity of rain has reduced a bit. It's more of a mild drizzle now but it needs to stop completely for a brisk resumption.
19:01 Local Time, 13:31 GMT, 19:01 IST: Live pictures coming in aren't encouraging. The rain has gotten heavier and it's bucketing down at the moment.
18:46 Local Time, 13:16 GMT, 18:46 IST: An unwanted news from the ground. Akash informs us that it is raining.
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