The first game of the five match One-day International (ODI) series between England and Pakistan was abandoned after only 19 overs were bowled at the The Oval in London on Wednesday.

The first ODI turned out to be a start-stop affair as there were constant interruptions from rain.

Earlier, Pakistan suffered an early setback as they lost their opener Fakhar Zaman in the fourth over, after being asked to bat first under overcast conditions by England.

Top-order batsman Babar Azam joined the other opener Imamul Haq in a bid to put the innings back on track. However, England pacer Liam Plunkett drew an edge from Azam that brought curtains to his inning on 16.

Left-handed batsman Haris Sohail looked in sublime form and was on his way to form an important partnership with Imam until the rain stopped play with Pakistan on 80-2 after 19 overs.

After various inspections, umpires finally decided to call the game off due to wet outfield from persistent rain.

The second ODI of the series will be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on May 11.