The co-hosts USA now have five points in Group A which means they cannot be caught by either Pakistan or Canada, who still have a game each to play
Lauderhill: USA v Ireland - match abandoned
Co-hosts USA have qualified for the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup courtesy of their game against Ireland in Florida being abandoned without a ball bowled.
Days of torrential rain meant, despite the best efforts of the grounds staff, the outfield was too wet for any cricket to take place.
This result takes the USA to five points in Group A which meant neither Pakistan nor Canada could catch them even if they won their last respective match.
They had until 2.16pm local time to start a five-over contest but a decision to abandon the game was made shortly after an inspection by the umpires at 1.33 pm local time.
There was hope a game could be played as it was dry but torrential rain in the build-up meant the outfield could not recover (C CHANDAN KHANNA/Getty Images)
Related: Flooding threatens to wash out Florida leg of T20 World Cup
The South Florida region has been on the receiving end of extreme weather including tropical storms which has caused widespread flooding and is likely to impact all the remaining games at the Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill.
In the pre-match build-up for the game, it was reported that the head groundsman had water up to his ankles while standing on the outfield during preparation for this game.
The point earned for the washout today was Ireland’s first in this campaign after suffering losses to India and Canada, they are scheduled to take on Pakistan on Sunday at the same venue.
India had already qualified from Group A, having won all three of their games so far. The tournament favourites play Canada in their final group game.
Related: Men's T20 World Cup 2024: What does each country need to qualify for the Super 8s?
This means the 2022 T20 World Cup finalists, Pakistan, have been knocked out of the tournament. They gave themselves a tough mountain to climb when they were shocked by the USA in the opening game
The expansion of the World Cup to 20 teams has caused several upsets including New Zealand, whose failure to qualify for the Super 8s was confirmed when Afrganstain secured victory over Papua New Guinea by seven wickets this morning.
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