Cricket
USA through to T20 World Cup Super 8s; Ireland, Pakistan and Canada eliminated
USA have qualified for the Super 8s at the T20 World Cup after their game against Ireland in Florida was abandoned, with Ireland, Pakistan and Canada now eliminated.
Heavy rainfall caused by tropical storms had battered the Florida area and left the outfield unplayable with the game officially called off after a number of inspections.
The point tournament debutants USA earned for the washout takes them onto five points from four fixtures in Group B, a tally winless Ireland, as well as Pakistan and Canada, are unable to match.
USA join table-toppers India in progressing from the pool, with the co-hosts to play South Africa, West Indies and either defending champions England or Scotland in Super 8s Group 2 next week.
USA beat Canada in their opening game and then stunned 2009 champions Pakistan in a Super Over to make it two wins from two, before pushing India during a seven-wicket defeat.
Pakistan followed the shock loss to USA with a six-run reverse against India and, although victory over Canada on Tuesday kept them in the mix, the USA-Ireland washout has now cost them.
Ireland suffered an eight-wicket thrashing against India before a 12-run loss to Canada left them needing to win their remaining two games to have a chance of making the second round.
Paul Stirling’s side will now look to chalk up their first win of the tournament when they finish off against Pakistan in Florida on Sunday (4pm), with India concluding their group campaign against Canada at the same venue on Saturday (3.30pm).
India will head into Super 8s Group 1, joining 2021 champions Australia and Afghanistan as well as one of Bangladesh, Netherlands or Nepal, with the latter three sides still in the running to advance from Group D.
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