Rain played villain in the third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka as the match was abandoned just after 28.5 overs at the Eden Park. The series is locked at one game apiece with the fourth ODI to be played at Nelson on January 17.
The game was interrupted twice forcing umpires to cut short the contest but as the heavens opened completely, the match was called off. New Zealand batting first managed to add 145 run on the loss of three wickets when the officials called it a day.
Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first under the cloud cover at the Eden Park, Auckland. Kiwi skipper Brendon McCullum and Luke Ronchi gave New Zealand a steady start by making a 40-run partnership.
Angelo Mathews broke the partnership when he dismissed McCullum (28). Ronchi and Tom Latham, meanwhile, maintained a good run-rate despite a couple of rain delays and stitched a 99-run stand for the second wicket.
The Black Caps lost two quick wickets when Latham (42) and Ross Taylor (3) fell in a space of six runs. Just when Taylor was sent packing by Mathews, the covers were brought on.
