Heavy rain delays first ODI between Pakistan, Sri Lanka

• Cricket fans who waited anxiously for the face-off between the two sides, seemed frustrated over the situation.
• The toss of the match did not take place on time as teams and officials wait for conditions to be suitable for play.
• The remaining ODIs will also be held in Karachi on September 29 and October 4.

(Karachi) The first One-day International (ODI) match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka that was scheduled to be played at the National Stadium was delayed after heavy rains coupled with strong winds and lightning lashed the metropolis on Friday. The toss of the match did not take place on time as teams and officials wait for conditions to be suitable for play.

As soon as the downpour started, the officials in National Stadium covered the pitch. The toss that was fixed to be held at 2:30 pm was delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms. Cricket fans who waited anxiously for the face-off between the two sides, seemed frustrated over the situation.

Meanwhile, efforts were underway to drain out rainwater accumulated in and around the National Stadium till filing of this report.

Karachi has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium. The Islanders are touring Pakistan for a three-match ODI and T20 series, respectively. The remaining ODIs will also be held in Karachi on September 29 (Sunday) and October 4 (Wednesday).

The T20 series will take place in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.