T20 World Cup: Giant killers Ireland frustrated by more rain Down Under
- Planet Sport writer
- 28 October 2022
Ireland were unable to drive home their advantage at the T20 World Cup as Friday's match against Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
Having bounced back from losing to Sri Lanka in their Super 12s opener by beating England in a rain-affected finale, Ireland were this time on the other end of the inclement weather on Friday afternoon.
The scheduled start time of 3pm local was pushed back because of showers at the MCG, which ultimately refused to relent and an abandonment was declared 95 minutes later.
There was still an hour and 10 minutes before the scheduled cut-off but the recognition it would take at least an hour for the ground to dry meant hands were shaken early.
Each side takes a point, with Ireland moving on to three points in the group and games against Australia at Brisbane on Monday and New Zealand at Adelaide next Friday still to come.
It is particularly hard luck for Afghanistan as this is their second abandonment in a row, with an identical fate befalling Wednesday's match against New Zealand at the same venue.
