CWC 2019: PAK vs SL – Rain forces abandonment, teams share points

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka at Bristol became the first match of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. Rain played major spoilsport at the County Ground in Bristol and kept the toss from happening, with the covers coming on and off from time to time.

The forced abandonment means that both teams now share a point each. Sri Lanka, with a better Net Run Rate, go up in third place on the points table. Pakistan would be feeling hard done by, having come off a spectacular win against England and riding high on momentum.

Sri Lanka have never beaten Pakistan in a World Cup fixture, with the latter dominating the head-to-head statistics 7-0. The Islanders would have loved to break their jinx against Pakistan, but they would be happy to go back with a split point.

However, Sri Lanka’s next match against Bangladesh on June 11 will also be played at the same venue. If the weather forecast is anything to go by, rain is expected to continue gracing Bristol with its presence for the next few days.

As for Pakistan, they go into their next game to face five-time world champions Australia on June 12 at Taunton. The Aussies are coming off a thrilling 15-run victory against the West Indies and will be keen to continue their winning streak. Pakistan could’ve done with some match time before heading into another tough contest.