ess Trust of India / Colombo August 16, 2006
| Inclement weather continued to play havoc with the Unitech Cup cricket tri-nation series as the match between India and Sri Lanka was today called off due to wet ground conditions at the Premadasa stadium here today. Torrential rains last night and this morning left three big wet patches on the outfield and the ground staff could hardly work as the overcast sky threatened to open up any moment, thus keeping the covers on. Match referee Chris Broad carried out first inspection at 11.30 am local time when he found the outfield completely damp and decided to carry out second inspection at 2.30 pm but even before they could assess the situation clouds gathered again and covers had to be replaced. The next inspection was scheduled for 3.30 pm but it began to rain and the match was immediately called off. |
| The match will now be played tomorrow, which is the reserve day for today's match. India are looking for their first series win in the island nation since 1998 when they beat Sri Lanka thrice including in the final. The Lankans have since proved to be tough opponents to beat, and they have an overall 21-20 win-loss home record over the Indians. The jinxed Unitech Cup, scheduled to start two days ago, is yet to see a ball being bowled. The event has been thrown into disarray as the opening match between the hosts and South Africa was first rained off on Monday and then called off on the reserve day as the latter sought to call off the tour following a bomb explosion not far from their hotel on August 14, the day of the series opener. |
