The ICC Cricket World Cup Group A clash between Sri Lanka and Australia at Colombo has been abandoned due to rain.Opting to bat first under cloudy conditions, Sri Lanka had reached 146 for three in 32.5 overs before the heavens opened. Both sides pick up a point apiece.
The Lions lost three early wickets - those of Tillakaratne Dilshan (four), Upul Tharanga (six) and Mahela Jayawardene (23) - before captain Kumar Sangakkara (73 not out) built a 71-run stand with Thilan Samaraweera (34 not out) to lead their recovery.
The result puts Sri Lanka in second place in Group A ahead of Australia. Both teams have five points.
Sri Lanka had lost their second game of the competition to Pakistan at the same venue, and the onus was on the hosts to deliver against major opposition, with their wins so far coming against Canada and Kenya.
But a stunned silence prevailed around the R Premadasa Stadium in the second over as Shaun Tait despatched Dilshan - caught at second slip by Cameron White - just moments after the duo were involved in a bit of sledging.
The hosts' were two down in the seventh over as Tharanga's cut off Brett Lee was brilliantly caught by Steve Smith at point.
Sangakkara helped build a promising 44-run stand, but Smith again spoiled the party by running out Jayawardene with a direct hit.
Things settled down with the introduction of spin as Sangakkara crossed his 50, while Australia used up both their decision reviews against Samaraweera, who provided able support until the stoppage of play.
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