Rain shrinks Aus hopes

Australia’s Adam Voges hits one over the top on way to making a stroke-filled 71 off 76 balls against New Zealand in their Champions Trophy clash at Edgbaston on Wednesday. PHOTO: AFP

Rain frustrated defending champions Australia as their Champions Trophy match against New Zealand ended in a no result leaving them with a tough battle to qualify for the semifinals.
New Zealand, chasing 244 to win, were on 51 for two off 15 overs when rain stopped play in the Group A clash at 3.40pm local time.
Under the Duckworth/Lewis system for rain-affected matches, a minimum of 20 overs had to be bowled in the second innings for either side to win this fixture.
But at 6.25pm (1725GMT), the umpires decided no further play was possible.
The first no result of the tournament saw both sides take a point apiece.
That left New Zealand with three points after their one-wicket win over Sri Lanka and gave Australia their first point of this event after a 48-run loss to hosts England at Edgbaston last week.
Adam Voges top-scored with 71 in a total of 243 for eight with George Bailey, Australia's stand-in captain, making 55 after winning the toss.
New Zealand left-arm quick Mitchell McClenaghan took four for 65.
Australia collapsed to 10 for two in as Shane Watson was caught behind off McClenaghan and Phillip Hughes was run out for nought by Martin Guptill, racing in from cover.
But coming in at 10 for two, Bailey calmly repaired the early damage.
New Zealand off-spinner Nathan McCullum (two for 46) checked Australia's progress with the wickets of Matthew Wade and Bailey.
Voges fell when he holed out off McClenaghan.
But Glenn Maxwell, brought in for Warner, added late impetus with an unbeaten 29 off just 22 balls including two sixes and a four.
The Black Caps' reply started in fine style when Luke Ronchi, a former Australia international now playing for his native New Zealand, drove Mitchell Johnson through the covers for four.
But New Zealand were soon 26 for two as Clint McKay had Guptill caught at point and Ronchi taken at gully.
Kane Williamson was 18 not out and Ross Taylor unbeaten on nine when the match was halted.
New Zealand conclude their group programme against England in Cardiff on Sunday, with Australia facing Sri Lanka at The Oval on Monday.