The first ODI between India and South Africa was on Thursday abandoned without a ball being bowled due to incessant rain here.It was the second match in less than six months to be abandoned at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium because of inclement weather.

The first ODI of the three-match series was always in doubt after the weatherman forecast widespread rains and thundershowers over the region on Thursday and Friday because of fresh western disturbance over north Pakistan and adjoining Jammu and Kashmir.

Fans and organisers had offered prayers at the Indrunag Temple in the hills overlooking the stadium in an attempt to appease the rain gods.

Heavy rain had also lashed the hill town just after the two teams’ practice sessions on Wednesday, forcing the organisers to cover the entire playing area.

It was overcast for major part of the day and heavens opened up just before the start. It rained on and off after that, forcing the toss to be delayed and bringing ground staff into action.

The rain was not that heavy but was enough for water to accumulate, forcing organisers to press three super-soppers into action.But despite working tirelessly, the ground staff failed to clear the ground, forcing the on-field umpires to call off the match.The novel coronavirus outbreak and adverse weather conditions affected ticket sales as well.