The third one-dayer between Pakistan and South Africa at Port Elizabeth was washed out due to rain as only Pakistan got to finish their innings, almost.

A wet outfield and inclement rain eventually forced to abandonment the match and head towards the fourth one-day match to be played at Cape Town on Sunday with both teams tied at one apiece.

It was a pity, as an intriguing game lay in store after Pakistan had scored 245 for eight in one ball short of a full 50 overs on a pitch not as pleasant as many initially assumed. The downpour never really stopped after that and two hours later play was finally called off by the umpires.

Pakistan opened their innings with Imran Nazir and keeper Akmal but lost both the openers soon. South African replacement Andrew Hall took four wickets for 35 to restrict Pakistan to a mediocre total. Pakistan scored 245 for eight after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

The only bright spot in the Pakistani innings came from Mohd. Yousuf who scored a sedate 79 before falling to Ntini. Three balls later Malik, who scored 41, top-edged a pull stroke to a ball from fast bowler Jacques Kallis and was caught by AB de Villiers at midwicket.

The dangerous Shahid Afridi was dismissed eight balls after that for eight when he miscued a pull off Hall and sent a catch to Herschelle Gibbs at point. Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood seemed to be putting the innings back on track, but with their partnership worth 41 Hall had Razzaq caught behind by Boucher for 27.

More rain saw South Africa set a revised target of 180 in 29 overs, but further showers forced an end to the match before the home side could begin their reply.

Brief Score

Pakistan 245-8 in 49.5 overs (Match abandoned due to rain)