India-Lanka tie delayed, umpires to inspect ground at noon

Colombo, Aug 18 (UNI) The opening game of the three-match bi-series between India and Sri Lanka was delayed due to intermittent drizzle at the Singhalese Sports Club here today.

Umpires will inspect the ground at 1230 hrs (local time) before making a final decision on the fate of the match.

With the possibility of the match looking bleak, Team India went back to their hotel after the delay was announced.

The series, which was originally a tri-nation tournament also featuring South Africa, has failed to take off due to the inclement weather here.

A bomb blast on the eve of the first match between South Africa and Sri Lanka saw the Proteas pulling out because of security concerns, forcing the organisers to make the tourney a three-match competition between India and the hosts.

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