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Birmingham: Australia's semi-final prospects in the ICC ICC Champions was today severely dented after their crucial Group A match against Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand was washed out, here.
Both New Zealand and Australia have garnered a point each from today's washed out encounter.
New Zealand, who defeated Sri Lanka by one wicket in their tournament opener, are at the top of Group A with three points from two games, followed by England (2 points 1 match), Australia (1 point from 2 matches) and Sri Lanka who are yet to open their tally.
New Zealand will now face England in their last group match, while Australia face a must-win situation against Sri Lanka in their final encounter.
However, a win against Sri Lanka alone won't guarantee Australia a place in the semi-finals as their fate would hang on the results of the remaining Group A matches.
Chasing Australia's 243 for eight, New Zealand were 51 for two after 15 overs when rain played spoilsport, forcing the on-field umpires to call for the covers.
Kane Williamson (18 not out) and Ross Taylor (9 not out) was the crease when rain interrupted the game.
Luke Ronchi (14) and Martin Guptil (8) were the two Kiwi batsmen to depart with pacer Clint Mckay (2/10) accounting for both the wickets.
Although the rain stopped later on but the nearly two-hour long downpour rendered the ground unplayable, forcing the umpires to call of the game.
Earlier, Adam Voges top-scored with a 76-ball 71 as Australia laboured to a fighting 243 for eight.
Besides Voges, stand-in skipper George Bailey contributed a patient 55 off 91 balls, his second consecutive fifty.
