Match abandoned due to rain. Each team gains a point.

England qualify for the final on run rate.

England are through to the tri-series final against South Africa after their clash with Zimbabwe was washed out.

Rain finally stopped falling at Pretoria's Centurion Park mid-afternoon, but it was decided that the match would not go ahead when another shower began at 1845 local time (1645 GMT).

England qualified by virtue of a superior run-rate. Zimbabwe's rate of minus 0.12 left them bottom of the table, compared with England's positive figure of 0.03.

"I think we played pretty well throughout the one-dayers and we deserved to go through," captain Nasser Hussain told Sky.

"We're obviously pleased...we can't be too upset about today. You've got to control the controllables. It's rained for three days and the ground is too wet."

The worst of the weather is forecast to clear in time for Saturday's final at the Wanderers.

As the day progressed it looked increasingly hopeful that a 25-over match might be possible despite muddy patches on the pitch and standing water in the outfield.

Persistent rain and thunder had been forecast for Wednesday, although the sun suprised everyone when it emerged during the afternoon.

However, it was never going to be enough to dry the sodden ground and when light drizzle began to fall again the decision was taken by umpires Cyril Mitchley and Danny Becker to abandon play.

At one point, a helicopter was planned to be used to hover over the surface and dry it.

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."

Nonetheless, Zimbabwe have a chance for revenge when England arrive in their country for a one-day series next week.