First ODI between NZ, Sri Lanka washed out

Persistent rain has washed out the first one-day cricket international between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Kandy and it appears there is little chance of the wet weather ceasing before the second match, scheduled for Sunday night (NZT).

The first ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Ground was abandoned overnight (NZT) without a ball being bowled, following a no result after only 16 overs were bowled in the one-off Twenty20 international at the same ground on Wednesday.

A tropical storm has buffeted Sri Lanka and most of the island is waterlogged after several days of rain. The two teams will travel to Colombo for the second and third matches in the five-match series but play at the Premadasa Stadium, which has been under covers for a week, on Sunday (10pm NZT) is highly doubtful.

The monsoon rains have hit the capital and more precipitation is forecast in the coming days. Preparing a wicket of international standard by Sunday, even if the rain stopped now, could be nigh on impossible.

"Half the ground is submerged under water due to the adjoining lake overflowing and the water on the ground is unlikely to subside till the lake waters recede," a spokesman for Sri Lanka Cricket told the Cricinfo website.

"It will be a difficult task to get the pitch and the ground ready for Sunday's game. If the rains cease we might be able to prepare a pitch for the game on Tuesday."

Rain had a significant effect on the West Indies' tour to Sri Lanka at the same time of the year in 2010, with all three test matches drawn.

After the five ODIs, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will play two tests.

- © Fairfax NZ News