T20 World Cup 2022: Afghanistan-Ireland clash abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain

The T20 World Cup 2022 Super 12 clash between Ireland and Afghanistan has been abandoned without a ball being bowled, due to rain in Melbourne. Ireland and Afghanistan both will be awarded 1 point each, but clearly, it doesn't help the cause of either team. 

The fixture between Ireland and Afghanistan becomes the latest casualty of rain, which has already washed out plenty of games during the ongoing World Cup in Australia. 

In 13 games so far in Super 12, three games were abandoned, one game was shortened and several matches were delayed due to rain in T20 World Cup 2022.

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In Afghanistan's case, it is their second straight no-result after the washout against New Zealand at the same venue on Wednesday.

Persistent rain fell across the MCG for a majority of the day as ground staff kept the covers on and pitch was under wraps. With rain being forecasted for the whole of Friday, the possibility of having a shortened game was quashed when play was eventually called off just after 4:30 PM in Melbourne.

"Most of the players are disappointed, not having played on such a fantastic ground. Rashid and I have played but others haven't but weather is not in our control. So we have to accept it. We look forward to the future games and hope to win," said Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi. 

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Afghanistan now have two points but are currently at the bottom of the Group 1 table due to their loss against England in Perth. They are also below hosts and defending champions Australia due to not having a win against their name.

Ireland, on the other hand, move to number two in the points table behind toppers New Zealand, having three points from as many games.

With inputs from IANS