The World Cup match between South Africa and the West Indies yesterday was abandoned after per-sistent heavy rain in Southampton, with both sides earning a point each.

Earlier, West Indies paceman Sheldon Cottrell reduced Faf du Plessis’s team to 29 for two before rain stopped play.

South Africa lost the toss and were put in to bat under threatening skies.

They were quickly in trouble, with Hashim Amla edging Cottrell to Chris Gayle at slip for just six.

That brought Aiden Markram to the wicket but he had only made five when he tickled a Cottrell deliv-ery down the legside and wicketkeeper Shai Hope completed the catch to leave South Africa in deep trouble at 28 for two in the seventh over.

In the following over rain stopped play and the covers came on.

West Indies are fifth in the World Cup table with three points after three matches, while South Africa are second from bottom after four games.

This was the second match to be called off due to rain following the Pakistan - Sri Lanka fixture, which was abandoned without a ball being bowled on the 7th.