Nairobi, Kenya — ZIMBABWE'S one-day international cricket match against Ireland was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Gymkhana Club Ground yesterday due to a combination of rain and a waterlogged outfield.

Heavy rains on Sunday and Monday left the outfield at the venue sogged and the groundsmen spent the whole morning trying to wipe the water out.

But when it looked as if they had done enough for the game to be played, the skies opened up and a 30-minute downpour made the situation worse.

The match referee, RS Mahanama from Sri Lanka called off the match and the teams earned two points each from the no result while today's match between hosts Kenya and Ireland also looks set to be affected by the bad conditions. Zimbabwe lead the Tri-Nations tournament standings with seven points from three matches after their 156-run victory over the Irish last Friday, the 95-run humiliation at

the hands of Kenya on Sunday and yesterday's no result.

Ireland, coached by former Zimbabwe mentor Phil Simmons, are second with seven points from three matches following their defeat to Zimbabwe, the 86-run win over Kenya last Saturday and yesterday's no result.

Kenya are now bottom with five points from two matches.

Zimbabwe will face Kenya tomorrow in the final match of the round-robin stage with the top two teams making the final, which is scheduled for Saturday, weather and conditions permitting.