Constant rain left the stadium water-logged in Karachi © Associated Press
Karachi’s first ODI in over 10 years didn’t even get as far as the toss. Heavy rain in the days leading up to this match was already proving a challenge, with doubts arising over whether the outfield would dry in time. Then, on Friday, more rain was delivered by towering dark clouds, forming large puddles on the outfield, and making even umpire inspections a challenge, once the rain did eventually relent.
The covers never moved through the course of a gloomy afternoon, and given the state of the ground, the match was abandoned just before 4:30pm local time.
Friday’s rain also casts doubts over the second ODI, due to be played at the same venue on Sunday. The ground is heavily waterlogged. Karachi will need bright sunshine over the weekend in order to assist the drying, but unfortunately, more rain is forecast for Sunday.
Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan consists of three ODIs and three T20Is.
Andrew Fidel Fernando is ESPNcricinfo’s Sri Lanka correspondent. @afidelf
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo