Rain forces NZ v Sri Lanka one-dayer to be abandoned

The fourth One-Day International (ODI) between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Saxton Oval in Nelson was called off due to incessant rain, with New Zealand retaining their 2-1 series lead at the end of the match.

The Black Caps were 75 for 3 after 9 overs, with Ross Taylor and Matt Henry at the crease, when the rain set in again.

Rain delayed the start of the match until late afternoon in Nelson at which point officials hoped to be able to complete a shortened game with each innings lasting 24 overs.

Play abandoned after constant rain in the fourth ODI between the Black Caps and Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and the tourists will field when play begins at 3.40 pm (8:10 am IST).

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews described the performances as “pathetic and embarrassing”.

But Latham was gone two balls later, caught behind off all-rounder Thisara Perera.

After a couple of quiet overs, Martin Guptill (27) went berserk smashing Dushmantha Chameera (1-32) for three sixes in the third over.

Kane Williamson (12) did not last long as he chipped a simple return catch back to Chameera.

One of them was forced by the foot injury that paceman Tim Southee picked up in the eight-wicket defeat in game three.