Sri Lanka field in rain delayed World Twenty20 match

HAMBANTOTA: Sri Lanka won the toss and sent South Africa in to bat in the World Twenty20 group C match here on Saturday after heavy rain reduced it to a seven overs per side contest.

Sri Lanka's star spinner Ajantha Mendis, who took 8-6 against Zimbabwe in the first match, was left out after suffering a side strain. He was replaced by fellow spinner Rangana Herath.

South Africa brought in Faf du Plessis for Robin Peterson.

Intermittent rain delayed the start by two and a half hours much to the disappointment of a sell-out 35,000 crowd.

Ground staff removed the covers before the two umpires Richard Kettleborough of England and Australian Rod Tucker decided on a curtailed match.

Both South Africa and Sri Lanka have already qualified for the Super Eights round after defeating Zimbabwe in their group C matches.

South Africa: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Johan Botha, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Jacques Kallis, Richard Levi, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn.

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Dilshan Munaweera, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Rangana Herath.

Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Rod Tucker (AUS), Tv umpire: Steve Davis (AUS)
Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)
(AFP)