Ireland Under 19's World Cup preparations got off to a soggy start as their scheduled warm-up game against an Auckland Development XI was abandoned.

The 50-over contest was due to take place at Cornwall Park but a combination of heavy rain and a sodden outfield forced umpires Morrow and Batuwangala to abandon the game without a ball being bowled.

The teams are due to meet again at the same venue tomorrow, when the forecast is much more promising.

After Friday's game the Irish are due to play two official warm-up games against Canada and England, before their tournament proper begins on Sunday January 14th.

Harry Tector skippers the young Irish side, who have been drawn in a very tough Group D, alongside Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.