Point-less match

Australia’s triangular series one-dayer against Zimbabwe was washed out and declared a no result on Thursday. Heavy rain prevented Zimbabwe from replying to the home team’s total of 263 for nine. One-day specialist Michael Bevan made a run-a-ball half-century in overcast conditions at Melbourne Cricket Ground after Zimbabwe won the toss. Bevan, who did not hit a boundary until shortly before reaching his 46th one-day half-century, was run out in the 49th over for 56. The 33-year-old left-hander and two times World Cup winner, playing in his 227th match, paced the innings after the first five wickets fell for 155 in overcast conditions.

Australia, on 31 points, and India, on 23, have already qualified for the final. Zimbabwe are without a victory in seven matches. The final two matches of the round-robin series are Australia against India in Perth on Sunday followed by India against Zimbabwe in the same city two days later.

BRIEF SCORE
Australia: 263 (Michael Bevan 56, Damien Martyn 42, Ricky Ponting 35, B Haddin 32; Heath Streak 2/47)