Rain ruins series decider

Rain ruined the deciding ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka as the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The two sides were tied 2-2 after the first four games of the five match series.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl but the game couldn't get underway owing to incessant showers. Both teams were at full strength with Sri Lanka naming an unchanged side after their 189-run win at Eden Park. New Zealand recalled Danierl Vettori, James Franklin and Nathan Astle. Billy Bowden was to officiate in his 100th ODI.

However, the climax turned into a damp squib and the two sides shared the trophy in a well-contested series. New Zealand will now head to Australia to compete in a tri-series against the host nation and England. Their first game will be against Australia this Sunday in Hobart.