BENGALURU: The mid-evening sunshine offered hope of a possible contest between India and South Africa in the decider but it turned out to be bluff and bluster as rain washed out the fifth and final contest of the T20 series here on Sunday.
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South Africa's stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj invited the home team to bat. Just as the players took position on the field, the skies opened with three minutes to go for the game to start. The heavy showers lasted for about half an hour but the SubAir system at the stadium ensured a 7.50 pm start with the reduction of one over on either side.
With a capacity crowd in attendance, Ishan Kishan ensured some fireworks in the opening over when he struck consecutive maximums off Maharaj, both dispatched through midwicket. But two quick wickets of Kishan (15) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (10) and India were struggling at 28/2 in 3.2 overs.
Skipper Rishabh Pant had faced just one delivery when a steady shower brought back the covers at 8. 06 pm. With the rain showing no sign of relenting, the match was finally called off at 9.35 pm, thus ensuring South Africa maintain their winning streak in India. The Proteas haven't lost a white ball series in India since 2011.
The teams split the series with the visitors winning the first two matches and Indian making a commendable comeback to take the next two.
