Melbourne rain washes out India-Australia T20

MELBOURNE, (Reuters) - The second Twenty20 International between India and Australia was called off yesterday following persistent rain in Melbourne.

Put into bat, Australia overcame a poor start to reach 132 for seven in 19 overs when rain forced the players off the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Ben McDermott made 32 not out off 30 balls before scurrying off the ground with batting partner Andrew Tye.

The umpires first considered a 19-overs-a-side game before setting India a revised target of 90 from 11 overs to level the series.

However, with the rain returning, the match was eventually called off.

Australia, who clinched the rain-hit series opener in Brisbane, will carry a 1-0 lead into tomorrow’s final match in Sydney. CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) - Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is expected to be sidelined with a knee injury for around 12 weeks, ruling him out of South Africa’s home test series against Pakistan starting next month as he seeks to be regain full fitness for the 2019 World Cup.

Ngidi injured his knee while fielding in a Twenty20 International victory over Australia on Sunday and scans have revealed ligament damage.

“He underwent investigations and further assessments with knee specialists upon his return to South Africa, which revealed a significant ligament injury to the right knee,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a statement on Friday. “Due to the significant nature of the injury, he will require a minimum of 12 weeks of rest and rehabilitation to make a successful return to play.” Ngidi has been an important figure for South Africa across all three formats this year, but will not be considered for the matches against visiting Pakistan, which include three tests, five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 fixtures.