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The World Cup match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled on Friday after persistent rain in Bristol.

The game was originally due to start at 0930 GMT but large areas of the playing area were covered under dark skies in Bristol. It was eventually called off in the afternoon, with both teams being awarded a point.

Umpires Nigel Llong and Ian Gould had the first inspection of the ground at 1430 GMT, but that wasn't enough to get the green light to start the match.

It is the first match at the World Cup in England and Wales to be abandoned without a result.

Both teams now have three points, with one win and a loss apiece.

Pakistan lost to the West Indies by seven wickets at Trent Bridge in their tournament opener before beating England by 14 runs at the same venue on Monday. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, crashed to a 10-wicket defeat against New Zealand before pulling off a 34-run win against Afghanistan in a rain-affected game.

The call-off upset fans who had travelled to watch the game.

"We came from Lahore to watch this match and it proved a damp squib," said Farhan Malik. "We lost a crucial point because we were sure of beating Sri Lanka."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan.

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