PALLEKELE: The third and final one-day international between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on Tuesday was abandoned after only 21 overs of play due to persistent rain in Pallekele.

As the rain refused to relent, the umpires officially called off the game at 19:45 local time (1415 GMT).

The game was a dead rubber with Sri Lanka already having clinched the series 2-0, following their thrilling three-wicket win on Sunday. The victory was Sri Lanka´s fifth one-day series win in the year.

“We had a very good year,” said Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka. “We have put in lot of hard work this year,” he said. “We wanted to give players a fair run and that faith is paying back.” Before the rain hit, New Zealand seemed set for a decent total after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. A solid 88-run partnership for the second wicket between Will Young and Henry Nicholls propelled them to 112 for 1 in 21 overs before it started pouring.