England were 81 for four in 16.3 overs when rain, which had delayed the start, forced the players off after 74 minutes playing time.

England captain Michael Vaughan was 35 not out and his Yorkshire team-mate Anthony McGrath 15 not out.

Because the match had already been reduced to 25 overs per side, the minimum required for the fixture to produce a positive outcome, the stoppage meant the end of the game.

England and Zimbabwe received three points apiece for a no-result, putting them on nine points each, three ahead of South Africa.

But Zimbabwe top the table because of their better head-to-head record against England after beating them by four wickets in the series opener at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

South Africa, who beat Zimbabwe by 46 runs at Canterbury on Sunday, play England in the next triangular match, a day-night fixture at Old Trafford, on Thursday.