Nottingham: The series-deciding third T20 match between England and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. The washout at Trent Bridge means the series ends in a draw, with both teams securing one win each.

According to BBC, the match was scheduled to commence at 14:30 BST on Sunday, but rain started before the toss and continued until officials decided to call off proceedings at approximately 16:20. The Proteas initially took the lead in the series with a rain-shortened victory, but England leveled it with a record-breaking performance at Old Trafford. With the third match now canceled, the series concludes without a definitive winner.

South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, expressed the team’s focus on future competitions, stating, “It’s about improving and building towards the World Cup.” He acknowledged the disappointment of not playing, noting the importance of the match as a “must-win game” and comparing its significance to that of a World Cup scenario. However, he conceded, “Frustration with the weather but not much we could do about it.”

The washout marks the end of England’s home summer cricket season. An understrength squad led by Jacob Bethell is set to begin a three-match T20 series in Ireland on Wednesday. Following that, the team will travel to New Zealand in October for a series comprising three one-day internationals and three T20 matches.