There are increased hopes of play in the final tri-series group game between England and Zimbabwe.

Rain has stopped falling at Pretoria's Centurion Park, and another inspection will be made at 1800 local time (1600GMT).

The covers are off at the ground, but there are still muddy pitches just off the square and in the outfield.

If there was no play, England would qualify for the final against South Africa on run-rate.

Persistent rain and thunder were forecast for Wednesday, although the sun suprisingly came out during the afternoon.

However whether this brief respite in the overcast conditions was enough to dry the surface before evening falls for the day/night game is another matter.

A helicopter was planned to be used to hover over the surface and dry it.

The latest time that a shortened night match could start is 1945 local time (1745GMT), while the match has to last at least 25 overs.

Centurion Park is the same venue that saw the last Test of England's recent series with South Africa washed out until the dramatic one-innings finish on the final day.

At that match a damp bowlers' run-up caused play to be delayed for far longer than the rain itself, and the now infamour Hennops River has flooded a car park behind the stand at one end the ground.

Four years ago the Test between the two countries was also virtually washed out.

But umpire Cyril Mitchley believed England brought the bad luck with them, if not the weather itself.

"This type of rain is very unseasonal in South Africa," he said. "It's very depressing."

The downpour is more of a problem for Zimbabwe, whose run rate of minus 0.12 leaves them bottom of the table compared with England's positive figure of 0.03.

If there is no play England would meet South Africa in the final at the weekend, although Zimbabwe would have a chance for revenge when England arrive in the country for a one-day series next week.

England skipper Nasser Hussain is not worried about how they make the final, and would prefer not to bother playing if the alternative was a risky short slog late in the evening.

"I don't mind how we reach the final; we just want to get there," said Hussain.

"I don't want to be messing around with nobody knowing what might happen, so we've got to be aware of all eventualities. It's going to be one of those days.

"I've got quite a bit of pleasure out of the tour, but obviously it would be nice to go back home as winners of this tournament."

Hussain's men have been confined to indoor practice while a marquee was erected over the square containing industrial heaters to keep the pitch dry.

It is still unclear whether Yorkshire all-rounder Craig White has recovered to full fitness.

White missed Friday's two-wicket defeat by South Africa in East London with a hamstring strain but was fit enough to train on Monday.

Mark Alleyne may be rested if White returns and spinner Ashley Giles may be included if the wicket stays damp.

Zimbabwe's main threat lies in classy former Leicestershire left-hander Neil Johnson and skipper Andy Flowers.