Right, that's it from us, folks. It's a shame we couldn't bring you any cricket today. But that means this group is set. India and the USA officially go through. That means the USA also qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Congratulations to them, and better luck to the rest. See all of you again tomorrow, hopefully!
Royston d's: "Well happy for USA they did well and Pakistan have to blame themselves for where they are "
The game has been called off. That's it, folks. Ireland and Pakistan have officially been eliminated. The US join India in the Super 8s.
The rain's getting heavier now
Monga tells us the covers are coming back on. It is raining now. Be prepared for the worst soon, folks.
There's thunder in the area, and a lightning warning has been received. So everyone's got off the ground.
1.20pmJavagal Srinath is having a char with the umpires, and walking gingerly around the outfield. How it hasn't rained in defiance of all forecasts is little short of a miracle, but the odds of a game continue to recede
12.40pm The news from the inspection is that there will be another inspection. At 1.15pm "No fresh rain since 8.30-9am this morning," informs Sidharth Monga. "They are now using what looks like the blower end of vacuum cleaners. But I am sure something more sophisticated. Perhaps something like the lead blower in gardens."
11.50am The latest a five-over game can begin is 2.16pm, the ICC has confirmed. Is a miracle to make this game possible still on? Massive shout out to the ground staff for giving it their everything.
Nikhil : "I don't know why we are upset about four lesser teams moving on, they earned it. I like this format and I hope we continue. There are no participation trophies in the world cup."
Zain Zaidi: "Despite what is happening and I being Pakistani, I still want USA to qualify as they rightly deserve to be in next round!"
There will be another inspection at 12.30pm "Pakistan team still breathing," says M Usman.
Meanwhile, here's something for you to chew on. Ian Bishop dissects Bumrah's mastery as he discusses death bowling.
11.45am There's a strong chance we may not have a game. USA will be through to the Super Eights if that happens. We're holding on to crumbs of hope of there being a game, but that's increasingly looking unlikely. There were flash flood warnings, and while Friday dawned bright with no rain, there's been way too much dampness that the ground staff have worked their hardest to try and work around.
Punnoo : "Out of curiosity, if you know that these games are going to be abandoned due to rain so far back, why not make attempts to change the venue? Especially since this is a World Cup and should be given a lot of importance. It's just about money, but seems a shame so many games are going to be washed out due to rain"
Kedar: "As much as I admire the smaller teams advancing, only four major teams in Super Eight isn't a good look. I'm sure the format will change next time to allow more popular teams to reach later stages." -- Well, well, well. Hasn't this format made the tournament more inclusive?
11.30am The umpires will be out and about to inspect the outfield and ground conditions any moment. We've lost an hour's play so we'll now definitely have a truncated fixture. Remember a washout/abandonment here means USA are through and Pakistan are out.
Cricfanalways : "A shorter game will help Pakistan ... Err... Ireland as they have better hitters"
11.00am Hello all. the next inspection is 30 minutes away. Hoping for some positive news from the ground.
Lots of interest likely in qualification for the next T20 WC. "The top eight from here - which means if USA go through they qualify for 2026 - plus the two hosts (India and Sri Lanka) plus the top-three ranked teams outside of this on the day of the T20 World Cup final."
All right, while we sit twiddling our thumbs, we're going to bring in Shashank, who will field all your rain-related enquiries for the next hour or so.
The next inspection will take place at 11.30, in about 50 minutes By then, it may be raining anyway.
10.40am: The skies have darkened significantly in the past few minutes. The outfield still looks like it's quite wet, but we await an official verdict from the inspection
Pakistan, meanwhile, have opted not to train or offer any media engagements owing to what they called "wet conditions and non-availability of training facilities".
Good news coming through from Monga: "The ground looks in good condition from afar. The 10am rain hasn't arrived. The forecast isn't yet all clear but for now things are looking good." We may have a game after all
10.05am: There is an inspection in 25 minutes, at 10.30 local time
We continue to wait for a further update. It remains dry though, but the toss is delayed, with no word of when it happens.
Asad: "how come toss have been delayed? I think the actual toss time is 30 minutes away" New to cricket, by any chance? This sport does not need a reason to drag its heels!
Chris: "It may be dry AT the ground, but the ground is not dry. Massive puddles, hard to see this getting dry enough with more rain scheduled." Correct
Sid Monga in Lauderhill has a positive update for you, Pakistan and Ireland fans. "Nice and sunny right now. Humidity/stickiness reminding me of Goa/Bombay when the sun comes out on a monsoon day."
Hello everyone! Welcome to wherever you're taking an interest from - the US, Ireland, or, I suspect, Pakistan. The toss has been delayed due to a wet outfield, though crucially, for now, it's dry at the ground.
