Highlights, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Match, Full Cricket Score: Match abandoned, teams share one point each

The match has been called off. The match referee Andy Pycroft along with the three umpires have decided that the pitch is too wet to have a game on it. Both teams get one point each and for the first time in World Cup history, Sri Lanka have avoided defeat against Pakistan.

Here’s the confirmation:

Disappointing news from Bristol. #PAKvSL has been abandoned – both sides have been awarded a point. #WeHaveWeWill #LionsRoar #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/VyZlS6RVGx

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

The match has been called off without a ball bowled.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will share a point each

Concerns still over a particular area on the ground. We might have an update soon…

So that one patch on the outfield is concerning the umpires. They are clearly unhappy with it. We have bright sunshine now but this game could still get called off. 45min to go before cut-off time and covers still on square. #CWC19 #PakvSL pic.twitter.com/AFgVTfQ8Qe

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 7, 2019

The fans have been waiting all day and then are pretty hopeful

Just look at the passion of these Pakistan fans!

They're not letting the rain dampen their spirits 👍 #WeHaveWeWill #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/Zas9XeGpF7

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

With the rain clearing up, the main concern for the officials is wet the outfield and more importantly the square.

There has been steady rain throughout the morning and early afternoon till about 2pm local time, the super soopers have been put to task as well.

More positive pictures coming in as the second inspection is currently underway

Are the blue skies here to stay? @ICC @cricketworldcup #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/06jrHJyJ3O

— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) June 7, 2019

The inspection is done and dusted. Still nothing substantial from the umpires. Apparently, there will be another inspection at 15.15 local time and a final call is expected at that time.

We will be having another inspection at 19:45 IST

Another inspection will be taking place at 3:15.

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

The umpires walk out on to the field with field, few layers off covers have been taken off but the square is still under the wraps. The groundsmen too lurk around, if there is no further rain then we might be able to squeeze in a shortened game.

Looks like we might get lucky. The rain has stopped and currently the umpires are out there to inspect the field of play.

Here’s the confirmation

Some positive news from Bristol – the rain has stopped, and we'll be having a pitch inspection at 2:30 pm. #PAKvSL #WeHaveWeWill #LionsRoar pic.twitter.com/XJX4XCCDNa

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

Some positive weather update from Bristol

Seems like rain has stopped. Could be a short break, because it's still very bleak. Ground staff getting busy... update at 2.30pm local time. #PAkvSL #CWC19

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 7, 2019

Meanwhile, commentators took some time off to play some cricket, in the commentary box!

Still pretty hard to get one past @GraemeSmith49!

The rain delay has allowed our commentators to stretch their legs and have their own little game 😀 😀 😀 pic.twitter.com/Oa7aLqLTGB

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

That will be 8:49 pm IST

Still raining in Bristol. 8.19pm Pakistan time is the latest they can go for a 20 overs match. #PakvSL

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 7, 2019

The weather prediction is not good for the rest of the day. So this could be a washout. Sri Lankans wouldn’t be complaining. These well could be the last points they are earning in this World Cup unless there is another washout.

Cricket enthusiasts seem to be in a joyful mood despite the rain delay!

The weather may not be great – but the fans are still smiling. #PAKvSL #LionsRoar #WeHaveWeWill pic.twitter.com/TRT4eVIxZy

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

Still pouring down there. The official time to call off the game is 14.30 BST. Still couple of hours left for that but as per the latest update I have got from the ground, the organisers do not expect the match to take place today.

Meanwhile in Paris there is no concerns regarding rain and in bright sunshine two of the greatest sporting stars are shining. We don’t know how much more of Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal we will get to witness, so enjoy it while it lasts. French Open favourite Nadal is up by three games to nil in the first set. Follow all the LIVE updates here

Still no news on cricket as we wait for the weather to clear.

Thunderstorms are predicted towards the south (Bristol included) with the possibility of localised flooding

Here's a look at the afternoon forecast:

🌧️ Heavy rain moving north
⚡️Thundery showers developing in the south, bringing the risk of localised flooding
🌤️ Brightest in the far north

Stay #weatheraware pic.twitter.com/K4AnFSkR1A

— Met Office (@metoffice) June 7, 2019

More bad news: According to the local papers the MeT department has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms which covers the whole of Bristol this afternoon

Most of the South West is affected by the alert which is in place from 2pm to 11pm (UK time)

So if you think you know your Waughs from Warnes and tell the difference between Koertzens from Kirstens and Holdings from Holders then now is the time to prove it.

No better way to kill time than indulging in some nostalgia and at the same time learning something new – here’s a compilation of 20 questions from the previous editions of World Cups. Test your knowledge and challenge your friends.

Update: Live pictures from the broadcast provide for a grim story. The rain continues…wait continues and well, the hope, shall also continue then…

In case you missed out some of the World Cup action yesterday, you could listen to one of the most fun duo of Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins as they breakdown Australia’s stupendous win against West Indies.

“We know de Villiers is a fine player. What else he is — and isn’t — is not known.”

As we still wait for the rain to clear out, you could read Telford Vice’s  maddening mystery of AB de Villiers , an explosive piece on the South African genius.

Currently we are approaching the 11 am mark in Bristol and yet there’s no signs of improvement and according to Bristol Post it is likely to get worse the MeT office forecast shows a 90 per cent chance of heavy rain from 8am to 2pm, with the chance rising to 95 per cent at times.

Things do improve briefly in the afternoon, with light rain showers from 3pm to 4pm.

There’s then a 60% chance of heavy showers from 5pm onwards.

Steady showers are expected throughout the day

A yellow severe weather warning for #thunderstorms has been issued https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #weatheraware @metofficeuk pic.twitter.com/cinRFmuEzH

— Met Office (@metoffice) June 7, 2019

For a 20-over fixture, the match needs to start by 16.15 local time. And according to the groundsmen, they need an hour and so to make the field of play ready for action. So, the rain must stop by 15.00-15.15 local time.

If this match gets washed out, it will be a huge setback for Pakistan’s chances of making it to the semi-finals. Following the victory over England, the spirits are high in the Pakistan camp. And they start as favourites against Sri Lanka. So, they would be gutted to share points in this fixture. 

Furthermore, Pakistan are a team of momentum. Hence, a wash out here will break their rhythm.

 Head to Head in ODIs:

Overall : Pakistan (90), Sri Lanka (58)
In ODI WCs : Pakistan (7), Sri Lanka (0)
Since 2015 : Pakistan (9), Sri Lanka (2)

Pakistan have won each of their last six ODIs against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan’s win over England in their last match was their first ever in their last 12 ODIs.

Following a glorious day of sunshine yesterday, it has been a wet morning in the UK today. The southern part of the country is experiencing steady drizzle since morning. The MeT department has predicted a 90 percent chance of rain in Bristol during this fixture and currently it is pelting down there. So, the toss will be delayed.

Seems like we are going to have a fair bit of delay! 

Unfortunately it's not looking too pretty in Bristol ☔ #PAKvSL #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/pnlG9mO713

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 7, 2019

Sri Lanka meanwhile have big issues with their batting department that has been inconsistent.

Angelo Mathews needs to come up with a big contribution today. After two games, he is yet to open the account having been dismissed without scoring on both occasions.

Sri Lanka have never beaten Pakistan in a World Cup encounter and given their enviable record and excellent form, Pakistan should be firm
favourites to win this contest. 

After a shaky start against the West Indies, Pakistan were on the money against hosts England

Controversy alert!

Former India skipper MS Dhoni landed in controversy yesterday over the logo of Indian Army’s Para Commandos on his wicketkeeping gloves. Here’s all you need to know about the controversy and G Rajaraman’s informed opinions on the matter. Read!

Pakistan start favourites

Such has been Sri Lanka’s fall in recent years that Pakistan, who have barely won anything of late, appear a decidedly superior opposition. Both teams have had a familiar starts to their World Cup campaigns, losing their first games before winning the next. Pakistan were punished by West Indies, but came back strongly against tournament favourites  England. Sri Lanka went down to New Zealand before securing a nervy win over Afghanistan. Both teams will look for a strong performance to soothe nerves.

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s LIVE coverage of ICC World Cup 2019, where Asian giants Pakistan play Sri Lanka. Stay tuned for LIVE scores and updates.