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'World Cup ruined': Fans forecast disaster for cricket's showpiece

Two World Cup warmup matches were abandoned on Sunday in what could be a recurring theme for cricket’s showpiece event.

South Africa made a confident start before their clash against the West Indies at the County Ground in Bristol was washed out by rain.

Another warm-up between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Cardiff was also called off on Sunday due to the rain without a ball being bowled.

It was a concerning scene for fans, with major fears the English weather could cause havoc throughout the World Cup.

In Bristol, Hashim Amla hit a confidence-boosting 51 runs and Quinton de Kock contributed 37 off 30 balls as South Africa reached 95 without loss off 12.4 overs before the wet conditions put pay to any further play.

The opening batsmen had to come out on three separate occasions before the match was abandoned.

South Africa and the West Indies' match was abandoned. (Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images)
South Africa and the West Indies' match was abandoned. (Photo by Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images)

They scored 55 before the first rain interruption, returned for just seven balls after a 45-minute break and then remained in the changing room for the next three and a half hours, with the contest reduced to 31 overs-a-side.

The West Indies have another warm-up game scheduled at Bristol against New Zealand on Tuesday.

South Africa's next outing will be against hosts England at The Oval on Thursday in the opening game of the World Cup.

Bangladesh play one more warm-up game against India on Tuesday while Pakistan have no more warm-up matches to play, kicking off their World Cup campaign against West Indies on Friday at Trent Bridge.

with AAP