Rain delayed the start of the World Cup Super Eights match between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Providence Stadium on Sunday.

A torrential downpour 90 minutes before the scheduled 0930 (1330 GMT) start drenched the outfield. Just as ground-staff mopped up and began to take the covers off a second deluge followed.

Although there was no official word from the umpires, any start before lunch seemed unlikely given the saturated outfield and fact that heavy rain is forecast until midday.

Tournament hosts West Indies lost their first two Super Eights matches against defending champions Australia and New Zealand. If they lose to Sri Lanka they could struggle to qualify for the semi-finals.

Sri Lanka lost their opening match in the second round to South Africa but like West Indies, they carried two points through from the group phase.