AMSTELVEEN, Aug 25: Rain forced the triangular series match between Australia and Pakistan to be abandoned without a ball being bowled on Wednesday. It had already rained persistently on Tuesday and further heavy rain on Wednesday saw the umpires call off the match an hour-and-a-half before the scheduled 1030am local time (0830GMT) start.

The result effectively ended India's lingering hopes of qualifying for Saturday's final which will instead feature world champions Australia and Pakistan. Beaten by Pakistan by 66 runs in last Saturday's rain-affected tournament opener India had seen their second match, against Australia on Monday, washed out at the half-way stage.

That meant they had to rely on Pakistan beating Australia by a huge margin to have any chance of qualifying for the tournament's climax. However, tournament chiefs are discussing the possibility of playing the Australia-Pakistan group match here on Thursday even though there was no provision for reserve days in the tournament regulations.

But how much meaningful practice any of the teams - India are set to stay in the Netherlands until Sunday - will be able to fit in what remains of an event designed as a warm-up for next month's ICC Champions Trophy in England is doubtful with more rain forceast.

Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist will rejoin Australia at the ICC Champions Trophy after his second child was born on Wednesday. Gilchrist, 32, stayed home in Perth this week and missed the triangular series here to be with his wife Mel, who gave birth to Annie. "Adam will rejoin the squad in England next week ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

FINAL STANDINGS