This comes as the Zimbabwean government issued a directive to bring a halt to all sporting events across the country due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Zimbabwe Cricket has approached their government to grant special permission for the match to be completed.

Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the halt in proceedings via a statement.

“Following a directive to suspend all sporting activities in the country as part of the latest Covid-19 lockdown restrictions imposed by the Government with effect from today, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has temporarily put on hold all cricket activities including the four-day match between Zimbabwe A and South Africa A which started on Sunday.

“ZC has, however, lodged an urgent appeal to the Government, through the Sports and Recreation Commission, for permission to complete the ongoing four-day international match as well as to continue with preparations for other upcoming international tours that we had already committed to.

“As we make this request, the health and safety of our players, support staff and our communities remain our top priority.

“Having successfully hosted international and domestic tournaments at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic under the bio-secure environment – with the matches being played behind closed doors with no spectators allowed in the stadia and with all those directly involved undergoing several tests for the coronavirus and staying in secluded accommodation facilities – we believe we are well-equipped and experienced enough to safely resume with our cricket activities.

“Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

When stumps was called on Sunday, South Africa were bowled for 282 runs in 88.5 overs.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport