IMAGE: India's Hardik Pandya is surrounded by flying ants leading to play being stopped. Photograph: James Oatway / Reuters
The third Twenty20 International between South Africa and India was halted early in the home side’s reply after a wave of flying ants descended on Centurion Park in Pretoria on Wednesday and forced the players from the field.
IMAGE: Umpire Lubabalo Gcuma is surrounded by flying ants leading to play being stopped . Photograph: James Oatway / Reuters
The umpires felt there were too many of the insects to continue, causing a near half-hour delay in play as South Africa seek to chase down the massive 219 for six posted by India thanks to a scintillating 107 not out from 56 balls by Tilak Varma.
IMAGE: South Africa's Ryan Rickelton looks on as play is stopped due to flying ants. Photograph: James Oatway / Reuters
Only one over was bowled in South Africa’s reply before the interruption, with the home side on seven without loss.
IMAGE: South Africa's Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks walk off with India players as play is stopped. Photograph: James Oatway / Reuters
It is not uncommon for insects to halt play in South Africa, but the culprits in a match against Sri Lanka in 2017 were bees, who interrupted play for over an hour.
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