New Zealand v Sri Lanka at Saxton Oval - rain the winner

Dushmantha Chameera, second right, celebrates with his Sri Lankan team mates after Kane Williamson is sent packing. Photo / Getty Images

Officials tried to make a game of it, but in the end the weather won in Nelson today.

The fourth ODI against Sri Lanka was called off when drizzle returned nine overs into New Zealand's innings which had already been trimmed to 24 overs.

The rain had arrived in Nelson early in the morning and it was a slight surprise when play did begin at 3.40pm.

New Zealand, having been sent in, were 75 for three, with Ross Taylor on 20 and Henry Nicholls on four.

New Zealand lead the five-game series 2-1 going into the final match at Mt Maunganui on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's bowlers had done a good job, at least until legspinner Jeff Vandersay's only over produced 15.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera went for 26 in his second over, but otherwise Sri Lanka's bowlers did well.

Opener Martin Guptill hit 27 in 14 balls in the star turn on an abbreviated afternoon.

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