A Storm Brewing: South Africa vs India at Kingsmead
The weather of Durban offers an unnerving backdrop as the first men's T20I between South Africa and India is set to commence at Kingsmead. The sky is desolate with clouds hanging low and heavy, seemingly on the brink of diluvium. The elements convert the fronds of the palm trees into giant menacing blades. Patches of the grumpy Indian Ocean and the dark sugarcane fields that make the landscape are occasionally revealed when the profuse overhanging vegetation yields. The air, soft, warm, and wet, feels more consumable than breathable.
From the airport to Kingsmead, the city streets reflect the same wildness as the weather. They hustle with traffic as the city transitions from spit-and-sawdust to the more refined hills and dales of Berea. Once a hub of affluence, Berea is now transformed into a comfortable accommodation sector.
However, despite the gloomy backdrop -- grey skies and an imminent rain threat -- there's relief as it isn't raining. Durban and cricket share a profound relationship with rains -- Kingsmead has seen more washouts than any other South African ground in the history of men's ODIs. To the surprise of many, no white-ball internationals for women in Durban have ever been abandoned due to rain.
People are anxious if the Friday's game would face the same fate. This game holds special significance as this is the first opportunity for South Africans to see their team in action live since last January. The last game was a washout where even the coin toss couldn't happen, and incidentally, the opponent then was India.
As the city anticipates the game, a taxi ride from Berea to Kingsmead cuts through the heavy air of Durban. A light-hearted joke about a passenger's festive attire, a porkpie hat and a floral shirt bring a cheerful respite on the gloomy afternoon, and a smile that visibly lights up the surrounding.
By the time the arena comes in sight, things look brighter — the ominous clouds disperse, and Kingsmead is beautifully bathed in blue.
