T20 World Cup: Ireland
v Afghanistan abandoned without a ball bowled after rain
The shared points take Ireland to third in Group One
|
ICC Men's T20 World Cup Group 1, Melbourne |
|
Ireland v Afghanistan abandoned |
|
Tables |
The Men's T20 World
Cup match between Ireland and Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball being
bowled because of rain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Afghanistan's previous game
against New Zealand was also abandoned on Wednesday because
of rain at the same venue.
Both sides are awarded a point, leaving
Ireland, who stunned England in their last match,
third in Group 1, while Afghanistan remain bottom.
England's match with Australia was also washed
out later in the day.
Ireland next face holders and hosts Australia
in Brisbane at 08:00 GMT on Monday.
"It's very disappointing, we'd played
good cricket and were looking forward to this but can't do much about the
weather," said Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie.
"It'll be like a different country up in
Brisbane. We want to push the champions."
Afghanistan's next tie is also in Brisbane,
against Sri Lanka at 04:00 GMT on Tuesday.
"Most of the players are disappointed,
not having played on such a fantastic ground [the MCG]," said Afghanistan
captain Mohammad Nabi.
"But the weather is not in our control,
so we have to accept it. We look forward to the future games and hope to
win."
England are now second in the table, level on
points with leaders New Zealand and Ireland, while fourth-placed Australia also
have three points. Sri Lanka are a point further back in fifth.
