New Zealand’s Super 12 match against Afghanistan at the T20 World Cup has been abandoned on Wednesday, 26 October, without a ball bowled due to rain, leaving both teams to share the points. (1 point each)
The non-result at the Melbourne Cricket Ground left last year’s runners-up New Zealand top of Group 1 on 3 points, the Black Caps having beaten champions and hosts Australia in their Super 12 opener last Saturday, 22 October.
Afghanistan, who lost to England in their first match, remains bottom of the group by one point.
Third-placed England prior suffered a shock defeat to Ireland in the first match of the double-header at the MCG, with rain cutting the match short and leaving the English short of their par score calculated by the Duckworth-Lewis method. (DLS)
Rain could yet influence the standings in Group 1, with a poor weather forecast on Friday in Melbourne where Australia plays England after Ireland meets Afghanistan at the MCG.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Wednesday’s washout made the Black Caps’ first-up thrashing of hosts Australia all the more precious.
“I definitely think it helps,” he told the sports media.
“I think (Ireland’s win) also shows there are no easy games right through the tournament either.
“So that’s good for cricket. It does make our pool a little bit predictable.”
