Torrential rains washed out the fourth match of the Singer-Akai Nidahas trophy cricket match between Sri Lanka and India at the Galle International Stadium yesterday. Both teams shared two points. This was the second instance where the teams were forced to share the points in the tournament. On Sunday, rain forced the India-New Zealand match to end in a no-result at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
The start was delayed due to heavy overnight rain leaving the entire grounds inundated with water. Umpires Peter Manuel and Udaya Wickremasinghe were due to inspect the ground conditions at 12 noon. However, shortly after 10 a.m. the scheduled time for the start, a heavy downpour accompanied by winds of cyclonic proportions put paid to whatever slim chance there was of commencing the match.
The gale force winds were of such intensity that it blew away part of the stands at the scoreboard end. Spectators were forced to flee for safety from falling aluminium sheets which broke loose and crashed down to where they were seated.
It would have needed a miracle to play under these conditions,'' said umpire Manuel. The ground had taken a great amount of water and despite the concerted efforts made by the ground staff who worked round the clock equipped with the super-sopper, the second shower of rain defeated all their labour.
The fifth match in the 10-match triangular between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the same venue commences on Saturday. The Board of Control for Cricket announced that tickets purchased for yesterday's game will be valid for Saturday.