Australia's tri-series clash with India at the SCG has been washed out, leaving the visitors needing to beat England in their final pool match in Perth to qualify for the final.
After losing their first two ODIs of the tournament, India must win on Friday to qualify for the decider at the same venue two days later. England need only to avoid defeat.
India went into the Australia Day clash hoping to find form but Australia were on top when play was abandoned with India at 2-69 off 16 overs.
Mitchell Starc claimed the early wicket of Shikhar Dhawan (8) before a returning Mitch Marsh removed Ambati Rayudu (23).
Just as Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane (28 not out) were beginning to rebuild India's innings, Marsh struck thanks to a great catch from David Warner.
Marsh, playing in his first game since the Brisbane Test in mid-December, finished with figures of 1-21 from three overs.
Rain interrupted play for a third time in the early evening and the players never returned to the pitch.
Having also lost the four-test Border-Gavaskar Test series 2-0 to Australia, India are winless since landing in Australia in December.
Their last victory came during their one-day series whitewash of Sri Lanka in November.
They will have two warm-up World Cup matches, against Australia and Afghanistan in early February, but are running out of time to hit form.
Australia, who welcomed back Marsh, Warner, George Bailey, Josh Hazlewood and Xavier Doherty against India, will also have the services of Mitchell Johnson (hamstring) for Sunday's final at the WACA Ground.
Share
