CAIRNS (Australia), July 20: A final attempt at staging the match between Pakistan ‘A’ and New Zealand ‘A’ failed as second rescheduled one-day game suffered same result as previous two fixtures and was cancelled due to a wet ground on Thursday.

Daryl Harper, the match referee, made the decision to conclude four days of inaction at Fretwell Park because of an unsafe run-up area at northern end.

“They were still quite soft and there was some shifting underfoot, which meant it represented a potential injury threat to players.”

Harper said the week, which began with teams due to play a four-day game and was altered to include two one-day contests instead, had been “frustrating for all involved.”

“The wicket looked in fantastic shape and rest of ground was fine, but even though sun and wind had improved problem area, it was still below what we considered acceptable,” he said.

Pakistan ‘A’ used pitch for a centre-wicket practice before weekend matches against Queensland and Australia ‘A’.

Meanwhile, openers Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir were unbeaten on 67 and 40 respectively to leave India ‘A’ within range of a draw or unlikely victory against Australia ‘A’ on the third day of the four-day fixture.

Set 481 runs for victory when Australia ‘A’ declared their second innings at 274-2, Uthappa and Gambhir steered the visitors to 117-0 – a deficit of 364 runs – with one day of play remaining.

Australia ‘A’ opener Phil Jaques had earlier scored 117 to go with his 240 after left armer Mitchell Johnson took 4-45 to dismiss India ‘A’ for 254 in the first innings.

Chris Rogers (64) added a half-century before skipper Brad Haddin made an early declaration for the second time in the match.—Agencies