DURBAN – The Durban Heat became the first side to be eliminated from the Mzansi Super League on Wednesday night, after their match against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants was rained off.
The Heat currently have just six points from seven matches, and they were left with too much to do after a slow start to the tournament.
The Giants had won the toss and elected to bat first on a belter of a wicket at Kingsmead, and had cruised to 121/2, spread over a rain delay.
Captain Jon-Jon Smuts had bunted 61 not out from 45 balls in the process, as he continued his fine form against the Heat.
There was also a tournament debut for English opener Jason Roy, who blazed a 16-ball 26, before he was trapped in front by Marchant de Lange.
For the Heat, there was a first appearance for Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan spinner. He returned figures of 1/19, before the rain spoiled yet another match in Durban.
The Heat next play the Jozi Stars on Friday at Kingsmead, while the Giants have a crunch fixture against the Tshwane Spartans at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
Game called off.
And that means @durban_heat are out of the @MSL_T20.
Much like tonight, their challenge has been a damp squib.
This sucks. Immensely.
— Lungani Zama (@whamzam17) December 5, 2018
#MSLT20- Play has been officially called off at Kingsmead. The match ends in a draw.
The @durban_heat are now out of the running to reach the playoffs.
The @NMB_Giants have moved into second place on the log. pic.twitter.com/nCjoxOVGxI
— Mzansi Super League 🔥 🇿🇦 🏏 (@MSL_T20) December 5, 2018
@whamzam17