Washout puts Sri Lanka into the final

Sri Lanka didn't raise a sweat to qualify for the final of the Emerging Teams Trophy when their second-round match against India was abandoned without a ball bowled due to heavy rain at the Saravanamuttu Stadium yesterday. Both teams received three points.

That meant Sri Lanka increased their overall tally to 15, assuring them of a place in Sunday's final, regardless of the outcome of the two remaining qualifying matches. India's points, however, were their first in the tournament, having lost both opening round matches to Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Play would have been possible yesterday had the drainage system outside the ground not blocked the water from receding. The relentless rain flooded the outfield and umpires Mohammad Aslam and Riazuddin, and match referee Graeme Labrooy weren't too keen to start because of the inevitable wet ball and the danger the slippery surface would pose to the fielders. Although the groundsmen were summoned to pump the water out, the umpires decided to abandon play after two inspections.

Sri Lanka's progression into the final makes the result of today's game against Pakistan academic. But the outcome is more important for India. If Pakistan win, the slim chance that India have of qualifying will be lost. India trail Pakistan by three points and will be keen to play them in the final match of the qualifying round on Friday to decide who will go through to the final. Pakistan drew first blood in their first match, winning by 37 runs.