The hopes of Indian team for qualifying in to the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy faced a major setback when an important match between India and Australia in Centurion was called off due to heavy rain on Monday.

Earlier in the day, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting won the toss and elected to bat first. Australian team got to a bad start as their make-shift opener S Watson returned to pavilion without opening his account.

But after that, Ponting (65) and T Paine (56) added together 84 runs for the second wicket. Mike Hussey also played well and he contributed 67 runs before losing his wicket to Ishant Sharma.

Australian team’s score was at 234 runs for loss of four wickets in 42.3 overs when rain stopped the play. The rain continued to lash on the ground as umpires decided to abandon the match.

Indian team will have to win their next match against West Indies on September 30 and they will have to pray for Australian team’s defeat against Pakistan to keep their hopes alive to make into the semifinals.