South Africa have been left frustrated by the weather when on the brink of victory against Zimbabwe in the Twenty20 World Cup.
With a free-swinging Quinton de Kock smashing a blistering 47 from 18 deliveries the Proteas needed 13 runs from 24 balls when rain, which had already intervened in the match, returned for good.
Zimbabwe had posted 5-79 from a reduced nine overs on Monday night at Bellerive Oval on the back of an unbeaten 35 from 18 from Wessly Madhevere.
South Africa's target of 80 was reduced to 64 from seven overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method but the match was finally abandoned due to persistent rain forcing the Proteas to split the points with Zimbabwe.
The result leaves South Africa a point behind India and Bangladesh after the opening round with only two countries progressing to the semi-finals.
De Kock did his best to force a result taking 23 off the first over and 17 off the second in an innings featuring eight fours and a six.
Zimbabwe quick Richard Ngarava, who bowled the second over, limped from the field with an ankle injury after slipping in his follow through in the wet conditions.
Rain earlier ironed out a big chunk of the fixture after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first.
The Zimbabweans did well to recover from 4-19 in the fourth over, with Madhevere sharing a 60-run partnership with Milton Shumba (18 from 20 deliveries) to give his bowlers something to work with.
South Africa quick Wayne Parnell returned the figures of 1-6 from two overs.
