Netherlands Knocked Out After Washout
Bangladesh-Ireland game under threat too as persistent rain hits Dharamsala
A washout in its game against Oman meant Netherlands‘ hopes of making it to the Super 10s in the ICC World Twenty20 2016 were extinguished, with not a ball bowled in the Group A clash in Dharamsala on Friday (March 11) .
Almost the entire ground was covered, but incessant rain after the toss, which Oman won to opt to field, meant there was no chance of even a five-over game, for which the cut-off time was 5.48pm. Even an umpires’ inspection wasn’t possible and the game was called off at 4.50 pm.
The downpour has left even the Bangladesh-Ireland tie, the second match of the day at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, in doubt.
The result meant that Oman, who defeated Ireland in its first match on Wednesday, would qualify for the Super 10s if it beats Bangladesh on Sunday, irrespective of what happens in the other matches.
If there is no more cricket in the group – which is not impossible given the forecast for the next few days – Bangladesh will go through since it has a slightly better net run-rate than Oman.
The Netherlands will consider itself unlucky to be flying back despite a narrow loss to Bangladesh in its opening game. The team restricted Bangladesh to 153 for 7 and did well to come close, but fell short by eight runs.
Ireland will take on the Netherlands, and Bangladesh will face Oman on Sunday, the final day of the Group stage.
