Derbyshire Falcons claimed a point from the opening Royal London One-Day Cup fixture of the summer as heavy rain prevented a result at Durham.
Durham had reached 194-2 after 34 overs when rain arrived at Chester-le-Street. Keaton Jennings hit 79, while Michael Richardson was 83 not out when play was halted.
No further play was possible as heavy rain fell and both teams had to settle for a point to open the new one-day campaign.
Billy Godleman said: “There was standing water on the wicket ends at the top of the square, so I wasn’t surprised at all that the umpires called it off. It’s frustrating because we would have backed ourselves to chase down whatever target we were set.
“After deciding to bowl it was brilliant to have Ben Cotton back. He bowled with good discipline and was a threat all the way through. But we need to build pressure from both ends and we found it difficult to do that.”
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Ben Cotton (1-35) made the breakthrough in the eighth over removing South Africa opener Stephen Cook lbw for 18.
The first wave of rain arrived with 16 overs bowled and Durham at 84-1. Once play resumed there had been a reduction in overs to 43 per side.
England international Jennings and Richardson batted well to extend their partnership to 121 for the second wicket when the Durham Captain was stumped by Gary Wilson off Jeevan Mendis – Jennings out for 79.
Richardson was approaching three figures when heavy rain arrived a put paid to any further play. The match was abandoned at 4.30pm and both teams claimed one point.
Derbyshire are next in Royal London One-Day Cup action on Sunday when they welcome Northants Steelbacks to The 3aaa County Ground. Tickets on sale.
Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their Royal London One-Day Cup matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game. Buy online, over the phone by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.
Northants Steelbacks – Sunday 30 April – BUY
Notts Outlaws – Tuesday 2 May – BUY
Warwickshire – Wednesday 10 May – BUY
Worcestershire – Tuesday 16 May – BUY
