Match Details

AFG vs IRE 25th Match, T20 WC 2022

AFG

Yet To Start

Match Abandoned without a ball bowled

IRE

Yet to Start

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Commentary

So a disappointing start for the day. A point each for both teams. Ireland are in the second spot with three points from three games. But their next two fixtures are against Australia and New Zealand. While Afghanistan are languishing in the bottom with two points from three games- two of their matches have been called off without the toss.

For now, this is AkshayaKrishna Polya signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Akshay Bhide, who, alongside our scorer/analyst Zeeshan Naiyer brought you all the live updates of this rain-spoiled encounter. We will meet in the next match. Let's keep our fingers crossed because the MCG has been under covers, as we hope there will be some cricket in the match between the oldest rivals, Australia and England. Until then, it is cheers!

Andrew Balbirnie | Ireland Captain: "Yeah, it is quite disappointing. We won against England. So, this game was an important one for us. The weather didn’t allow us to play. So really disappointed. We played some good cricket. Obviously, we cannot control the weather. We struggled after the win against West Indies as we faced Sri Lanka in the Super 12 opener. We did try to back up with a win, but there we couldn't do it. Unlike there, we were gearing up for today's match after the win against England. But the rain didn't allow it. We are flying to Brisbane tomorrow. We want to push the champions. A lot of things are happening around, it is difficult, I know. After the last game, there were a lot of texts and messages came along. Usually, the texts come when there are wins but no texts when there aren't wins. But as the matches progress, hope that it would change and would get more support in the future."

Mohammad Nabi | Afghanistan Captain: "Yeah, most of the players are disappointed not to get the game here in MCG. Rashid and I have played here in the Big Bash. But not getting the game going is a big disappointment. The boys were excited. Now, we have to share a point each. We hope the weather would be better in our next game against Sri Lanka. We are trying hard to play good cricket. The process is always the same. We try to put some score on the board. And then use the bowlers well. In the first game, we didn’t post a big enough total to put pressure on England. Yesterday we saw a great game where Zimbabwe didn’t post a big total and then did well to defend it against Pakistan. We took the experience from the BBL and have tried to apply it here. We have discussed it in the team meetings. We have tried to execute it. Normally it is about seeing the ball and hitting the ball. But here, it is quite different, you need to place and time the ball."

11:05 AM IST | The umpires and players have shaken hands now. That is it for this match. MATCH ABANDONED!

10:47 AM IST | While the rain keeps on pouring down, the umpires have decided to have an inspection when it stops.

10:29 AM IST | The rain continues to fall in Melbourne. The pitch has been covered, the entire square is under the covers, and the bowler's run-up area is also under the covers. The inspection, which was bound to happen now (10:30 AM IST), won't happen.

Akshaya: 🤞🏻

Saket: Well I'll leave you lads to yourselves but fingers crossed and I hope that we have a good encounter at our hands if that is possible by any means!

Akshaya: Yes, Saket, you are on spot! As I mentioned earlier in the discussion alongside Akshay, it is fitting that MCG is hosting these two crucial Group 1 encounters. But, it is absolutely shameful that rain is spoiling these mouth-watering fixtures.

Saket: If that actually is the case then this is going to be a disappointing day for cricket fans, both the fixtures were going to cause a major ripple in group 1 standings. Imagine with how things have been turning out, we see Ireland from Group 1 and Zimbabwe from Group 2 go through into the semis, that would be nothing less than a fairytale run.

Saket: I'd love a 5 over game Akshay, it's bound to be hard hitting at the 'G' in that scenario and would be a good way to end the day, rather than the match officials walking into the dressing rooms and inform those players that they are calling the game off.

Akshay: Good morning Saket. Let Akshaya tell you that there is no hope but let's be optimistic. I'm hoping there will be a 5-overs per side contest. If we get a game today, I feel Ireland will have an edge over the Afghan side. I remember both these sides met in Ireland and the fifth game of the series was a rain-curtailed fixture. The reduced target for the Irish side was 56 in seven overs and they got across the line with seven wickets in hand. So the Irish side will fancy a reduced game today against the spin-heavy Afghan side.

Akshaya: Saket, let me brief you! To be honest, there is no hope of both games! But, with fingers crossed, if the match ever happens, then it will definitely help the Irish side.

Saket: I see that you guys are enjoying yourselves with the heavy rain out there!!, But a great morning to you lads, you think a reduced overs game here will benefit Ireland here in this contest?

Akshaya: There were a few upsets in this World Cup! Right from the beginning, Namibia defeating Sri Lanka to Pakistan's blunder against Zimbabwe. Yes, I would call that a 'blunder'! I enjoyed Scotland's win over West Indies!

Akshay: Speaking of upsets, which match have you enjoyed the most?

Akshay: To be honest with you, Pakistan have themselves to blame for their loss the other night. They couldn't chase down 131 and you don't deserve to qualify for the next round if you put in a performance like this. But you got to give credit to Zimbabwe for the way they pulled back things and held their nerves in crunch situations.

Akshaya: Yes, you are absolutely on point. What about Zimbabwe's heroics last night? They were unable to control their nerves but somehow did it! One would say Pakistan played the worst, but I would say Zimbabwe did play better!

Akshay: It will have a massive impact in this Group of Death. With rain playing a part, we suddenly see Ireland being favorites to qualify for the semi-finals. Who would have thought that the Irish side would have any chance but they deserve this position after beating England in their last fixture. But we all are rooting for these sides and an upset always makes a cricket lover happy.

Akshaya: Haha 😅 I am second with you, mate! But the question is how big these two matches would impact the points table. See, I think it is a virtual knockout for both Australia and England! And if Ireland win today, then it gives a different look to the points table.