New Delhi:
In a bizarre turn of events, the match between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park Centurion was suspended for nearly 30 minutes due to an unexpected invasion of flying ants. The interruption came just as South Africa began their chase of India’s towering total of 220. Despite the unusual delay, the match offered high octane moments, particularly from India’s young star Tilak Varma, whose century set the stage for a memorable game.
Play suspended due to FLYING ANTS! 🐜🤯 pic.twitter.com/pfeQsgpwDW
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) November 13, 2024
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Game Stopped by a Storm of Flying Ants
With South Africa one over into the innings, player and officials began noticing and unusual disturbance: swarms of flying ants hovering over the field. The sheer density of these insects quickly became unmanageable, obstructing players’ vision and affecting their performance. Some ants even made their way into some player’s eyes, causing discomfort to the players. After brief discussions between the umpires and captains, officials halted the match to allow ground staff time to disperse the insects.
This pause became the match’s defining moment, a rarity even in the sometimes unpredictable world of cricket. Flying ants, common in South Africa after recent rains, typically appear in swarms during humid conditions. Despite this, it’s rare to see a cricket match affected to such an extent by insects, making this suspension one for the books.
