The Mpumalanga Rhinos and Northern Cape Heat were unable to achieve a satisfying result in a heavily rain-affected CSA 4-Day Series Division 2 match at Uplands College from November 7 to 10.

The first day’s play was completely rained out and not one ball was bowled by either side. The Heat batted first on day two, making sure to bide their time and bat slowly as they knew there would be more rain to come. Strong showings by Ernest Kemm (58 off 202 balls) and Cole Abrahams (129 off 240) steered the Heat to 268 all out by the morning of day three.

There was a star with the ball for the Rhinos, though, as new recruit Kurtlyn Mannikam claimed six wickets for 80 runs in 21 overs to earn his best first-class bowling figures.

The Rhinos had a decent start with opener Karabo Mogotsi reaching 49 before he was bowled by a peach of a delivery from Tshepo Ntuli. They were trying to bat at a better rate than the Heat to ensure they get as many batting points as possible from the game.

Standing at 107-3 after Mogotsi fell, and with Benjamin van Niekerk and Jurie Snyman at the crease, the Rhinos were in a good position to pick up the pace and get runs on the board. However, some clinical bowling coupled with variable bounce from the pitch ensured that this plan did not come to fruition for the home side.

Their next seven wickets fell for only 57 runs and the Rhinos were bowled out for only 164 at the end of day three.

The fourth and final day was also abandoned without a ball being bowled, meaning the two sides shared the match points. The Heat emerged with more log points from the game, though, thanks to scoring more runs than the Rhinos.

The Rhinos will now rest up until they take on the Eastern Cape Iinyathi at Uplands from November 28 to December 1.