Play begins in rain-curtailed Champions trophy match

Play has begun in the Group A Champions Trophy match between England and New Zealand after a delay of more than five hours due to incessant rain at the Sophia Gardens here today.

The 50-over one-day international has been reduced to a 24-overs a side.

New Zealand had won the toss and decided to bowl but soon heavens opened up delaying the start of the match, which was supposed to start at 09:30 GMT.

After rain abated, the umpires inspected the ground and decided to have a 24-over a side game.