New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Match Group A at Birmingham, , Jun 02 2017 - Match Result

Let's move on then. South Africa take on Sri Lanka, possibly without Angelo Mathews, at The Oval on Saturday. Andrew Fidel Fernando sets you up with the preview. And, of course, there will be plenty of build-up to the big India-Pakistan game, also at Edgbaston on Sunday. Let's hope the forecast for that is a lot better. Sad finish then, tonight. I'll leave you with out snapshots page as a parting shot. All the chatter around the tournament right here. See you soon. Cheers!

It's a big sporting week in prospect for Cardiff, who host their first match of the Champions Trophy on Tuesday, when England take on New Zealand. Before then, however, there's the small matter of the UEFA Champions League Final. ESPNFC are already out in force for that event, with full coverage including, for UK viewers, full match highlights.

6.28pm The news we all didn't want to hear: The match has been abandoned just like their 2013 Champions Trophy fixture at the same venue was. Both teams will take home one point each. New Zealand would feel they've been robbed of a win. Australia will savour the 'get out of jail' feeling.

New Zealand's pace riches were there for everyone to see in the nine overs that were possible. A intimidating Australia top-order were brought to their knees. Shots out of desperation resulted in a few boundaries, but they looked like a side under pressure today. The groundwork for the strong total , Josh Hazlewood's six-for notwithstanding, was done by Kane Williamson, who made a sparkling ninth ODI ton. Luke Ronchi, played ahead of Tom Latham, impressed too. All good signs for New Zealand.

6.15pm Looking bleak now. Proper rain. "I fear there's almost no chance of that. No result," says George Dobell. Unlikely we can start by 6.50pm to constitute a 20-overs game. What a pity

Asif: "One can only imagine how desperately fans from India and Pakistan are praying right now." More so those who've travelled all the way from both countries to watch this and I know a few who have.

Rohan: "Hey Shashank, so to resume by 6:48 pm by when should the rain stop for the crew to do the mop up?" Lets say at least 15 minutes

Suhaib: "So it's come down to Trans-Tasman battle of prayers for rain to stop or not to stop till 6:48 pm. What disappointment for the fans and the sport."

Sushil: "Shashank, can't they go on until 2:00 AM like IPL to get the result?" Ha! Don't even remind them of this possibility. Good lord

Kamran: "Sharing points in this game will have huge hit on any chance of Bangladesh going through to the semis." For starters, they have to anyway win their remaining two games to take other results out of the equation. Plus, if that happens, they will go through because the max Australia and New Zealand can get to would be three points.

6.03pm There's just a chance the worst of this will skirt the ground, says George Dobell, who is dangling out of the press-box window clutching a knot of seaweed

Guru: "What happens if there is no more play possible? Do they split points, or is there a reserve day?" No reserve day. They'll share points

17.55pm Doesn't look good at all, if pictures from Edgbaston are anything to go by. Dark, heavy, gloomy, grey. Whatever you want to call it. As things stand, Australia won't really mind the rain. New Zealanders will be left wondering if there's anyway they can squeeze in 11 more overs. As things stand, they're bossing this. We have to start by 6.50pm to have a 20-over game. Target will be 174 if it's down to that.

Starting to drizzle

Roddy: "Apologies if you've already mentioned this, but how many overs have to be bowled in the Aussie innings for this to be a match?" 20 overs

Next phase of Powerplays

Fear we're not going to get result here. Weather coming our way looks grim, informs George Dobell.

Here's Henriques in at No. 4

First change. Here's Adam Milne

Boult back from over the wicket