Rain delays Sri Lanka-New Zealand match

Rain delayed the start of the triangular one-day series cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Rangiri stadium in Dambulla on Thursday.

New Zealand, who elected to bat after winning the toss, made three changes from the side that lost to the hosts by three wickets in their previous match.

The visitors replaced Martin Guptill, Tim Southee and Andy McKay with Peter Ingram, Jacob Oram and Grant Elliott.

Sri Lanka, who lost to India by six wickets on Monday, brought in Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath and Chamara Silva in place of Dilhara Fernando, Suraj Randiv and Thilan Samaraweera.

Off-spinner Randiv was banned for one match for apparently bowling a deliberate no-ball in the last game against India to leave Virender Sehwag stranded on 99.

New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka each have one win after two matches. Each side will play the other twice in the preliminary league, with the top two qualifying for the final on August 28.

New Zealand: Ross Taylor (capt), Peter Ingram, Bradley-John Watling, Kane Williamson, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins, Grant Eliott, Nathan McCullum, Jacob Oram, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath

Umpires: Tyron Wijewardene (SRI) and Asad Rauf (PAK)

TV umpire: Ranmore Martinesz (SRI)

Match referee: Alan Hurst (AUS)