Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara hit an unbeaten 73 to take the tournament co-host to 146-3 before rain forced players off the pitch in the Group A match at Colombo's R.

Premadasa Stadium.

However, there was no let up in the rain, forcing match officials to call off the game and declare a 'no result'.

Both teams shared a point each.

Australia now has five points in the group, after winning its two previous matches. Sri Lanka also has five after winning two and losing one of its three previous games.

Sangakkara hit his 61st one-day half-century to lift his side from an early slide in the match after winning the toss and batting first.

Sri Lanka lost its first two wickets by the time it reached 31 runs.

But Sangakkara was involved in two crucial partnerships - 44 with Mahela Jayawardene and an unbeaten 71 with Thilan Samaraweera before the rain arrived in the 33rd over.