THE first Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka was abandoned as a draw on Monday because of persistent rain.
The umpires called off the match in mid-afternoon because conditions proved impossible for play.
It was a blow to Sri Lanka who held out hopes for victory after gaining the advantage over their hosts over the first four days.
Sanath Jayasuriya had put Zimbabwe in on the first day and his bowlers got them out for 286, Andy Flower top scoring with 86 and seamer Promodaya Wickramasinghe producing Test career best figures of 6-60.
Sri Lanka made 428 in reply, a lead of 142 on first innings. Marvan Atapattu scored more than half the total – 216 not out – his second Test double century.
In their second innings Zimbabwe reached 136-3 before bad light stopped play Saturday, with Neil Johnson on 52 not out and Andy Flower on 15 not out.
This was just six runs short of the Sri Lanka total but the loss of three wickets made Zimbabwe’s position precarious.
The second Test is due to start in Harare on Friday.
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