A cricket match in Kabul between Afghans and international peacekeepers was rained off - after four years of near-drought. Locals prayed for rain, and to widespread surprise they were rewarded when the heavens opened opened above the compound of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). After only two hours of the match, play was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.

Most of the ISAF XI were British, and though Dickie Bird was nowhere to seen, it was nonetheless richly ironic. It was a bit of a blessing too, because the ISAF were being comprehensively outplayed by the Afghans.

"You could say we were saved by the rain I suppose," said an ISAF spokesman. "They haven't exactly had an awful lot of rain here in four years of drought, and suddenly it tipped down.

"We crowded into the tent and ate scones and jam, and tea was served. It was an interesting event and a colourful one. The Afghans enjoyed it as much as we did."

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