In a game that was dominated by India right from the moment they won the toss, the most stunning event was not South Africa's horror show, but it was when the visitors were just two runs away from going 2-0 up in the ODI series as the umpires asked the players to walk off for lunch.
To be fair to the umpires Aleem Dar and Adrian Holdstock, they postponed by the break by 4 overs in which India failed to get the remaining runs for victory. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli tried to accelerate the scoring but a stunning piece of fielding by Aiden Markram denied an early finish to the game.
Earlier, India bowled out South Africa for 118 which is their lowest ever score at home. Yuzvendra Chahal took his maiden five-wicket haul and Kuldeep Yadav picked up three wickets. South African batsmen were clueless against the wrist spinners and the only form of relief that came their way was when Hardik Pandya and Kedar Jadhav bowled together in tandem for few overs.
India began their moderate chase on a attacking note, however Rohit Sharma was bounced out by Kagiso Rabada for 15. Shikhar Dhawan notched up a half-century while Virat Kohli was unbeaten on 44 when the players walked back to their respective dressing rooms.
Twitter was left stunned by the decision of the umpires and reacted strongly:
Isn’t there anything that could be done, for 2 runs, so much has to be done over again, this is where the Referee should interfere #SAvsIND #wasteoftime
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) February 4, 2018
I know it’s not going to happen but WHAT IF....it rains in the next 30 mins. And doesn’t stop. And we have no further play. India will be denied a win because 20 overs not bowled yet. Oh Cricket..... ????????
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 4, 2018
Cricket umpires are told by ICC to never use their common sense so we can’t really blame umpires here. They don’t want to lose their jobs.
— Gappistan Radio (@GappistanRadio) February 4, 2018
With just 2 more runs needed to win, the umpires call for lunch!!!!!! What are they doing?????? Bizarre!!! #INDvSA #Centurion
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 4, 2018
Umpires opt for lunch when only 2 more runs are required to finish the game
— Shubh AggarWall (@shubh_chintak) February 4, 2018
That's as ridiculous as South Africa's batting today #SAvIND
It is a good lunch at Supersport Park!
— Iain O'Brien (@iainobrien) February 4, 2018
You don’t want overcooked meat on the Braai!
With 2 runs to win, umpires call players off for lunch. THIS is why Cricket, in all its beautiful glory, is utterly frustrating to watch/cover because it is governed by archaic, stupid rules. Unbelievable! #SAvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) February 4, 2018
Cricket ????????????????????????
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) February 4, 2018
Seems like match umpires used to work for SBI. They went on a lunch break just when you needed a small work done.#SAvIND
— Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) February 4, 2018