Dhaka: India and South Africa were declared joint winners of the three-nation tournament here after rain played spoilsport at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Monday.

India was struggling at 46-3 off 17.1 overs when sharp showers held proceedings with captain Saurav Ganguly (11) and Yuvraj Singh (2) at the crease.

A 25-minute spell of rain at 3.30 pm (0930 GMT) rendered the ground unfit for play and the best of efforts from the groundsmen could not help resume the match.

Even a private helicopter was pressed into service in a bid to dry the ground. But match referee Clive Lloyd ruled out play at 6.30 pm after another bout of rain.

International Cricket Council (ICC) rules state that at least 25 overs need to be played by each side for a result to be obtained. "It was really disappointing to see the final turn out this way," said South African captain Graeme Smith. "We were shaping well for the match after a slow start in the tournament."

The final was originally scheduled for Sunday, but could not be held owing to rain.

"It's not the best of things to happen when you have rain coming again and again," said Indian skipper Saurav Ganguly, whose team struggled after electing to bat as his batsmen were not showing their best form.

Hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag failed in an attempt to clear mid-on, left- hander Gautam Gambhir tried to drive with little movement of his feet and Mohammed Kaif mistimed a pull.

Paceman Makhaya Ntini was the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets in his opening spell of eight overs.

The tournament, also featuring host nation Bangladesh, was a low profile one as India and South Africa both came here with new-look sides.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
Rain forces India, South Africa to share TVS Cup