Rain washes out Pakistan-Sri Lanka World Cup match

Bristol: Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was left frustrated after Friday's World Cup match against Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled following persistent rain in Bristol.

The game was scheduled to begin at 10:30 (0930 GMT) but was eventually called off in the afternoon, with both teams being awarded a point.

The match was called off after a five-hour wait, with not even the toss possible. It is the first match at the World Cup in England and Wales to be abandoned without a result.

Both teams now have three points, with one win and a loss apiece.

It was a blow to Pakistan's bid to reach the semi-finals and Sarfaraz said: "As a team we really wanted to play this match, especially after gaining momentum with the win against England. It is unfortunate that we were not able to play.

Pakistan lost to the West Indies by seven wickets at Trent Bridge before beating England by 14 runs at the same venue on Monday.

Sarfaraz remains confident Pakistan can still push for a last-four place in the 10-team tournament despite the Sri Lanka washout.

Sri Lanka crashed to a 10-wicket defeat against New Zealand before pulling off a 34-run win against Afghanistan in a rain-affected game.

The call-off in Bristol upset fans who had travelled to watch the game.