Afro-Asia Cup, 2005

At Durban, August 21, 2005 (day/night). No result. Toss: African XI.

Almost nowhere do playing conditions change as dramatically in 24 hours as they can at Kingsmead. Brooding skies and air like consommé made for a fast-bowling feast: not only did the ball swing, but it seamed and bounced, in complete contrast to the predictability of the previous day. Smith, in his first match of the tournament, lasted only five balls before Shoaib beat him for pace, while Zaheer claimed three wickets for the third match running as the Africans disintegrated to 54 for seven. Pollock played a gem of an innings to edge his side into three figures, and then claimed an early wicket as Asia limped to seven for two, with conditions becoming ever less friendly for the batsmen. Anything could have happened - but in the end nothing did, as seasonal rain stamped its authority on the summer game, leaving the inaugural Afro-Asia Cup tied at one match apiece.