Pakistan and Sri Lanka frustrated by rain as Bristol clash ends in washout

The match was called off at 3.45pm following extensive pitch inspections by the matchday officials

Pakistan and Sri Lanka had to settle for a point apiece after their World Cup clash in Bristol was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The match was called off at 3.45pm following extensive pitch inspections by the matchday officials, who appeared to be concerned about two areas of the outfield just to the edge of the squad.

Heavy overnight rain persisted through the morning and into the early afternoon in Bristol, only easing off at around 2pm.

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The groundstaff worked relentlessly during the day in an attempt to make the ground playable but ultimately their efforts were in vain.

According to the playing conditions, which stipulate a match must consist of a minimum of 20 overs per side, play must have begun by 4.19pm.

And with half-an-hour remaining before the cut-off, following lengthy discussions between the matchday umpires Nigel Llong, Ian Gould and Rod Tucker, and match referee Andy Pycroft, the decision was made to call the game off.

It is only the second World Cup match in England to have been abandoned without a ball being bowled. The other, coincidentally, also involved Sri Lanka - against West Indies in 1979.

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