Live Score

2:51 PM IST, Local Time: The rain has stopped, and the entire stadium is still under covers. The groundstaff are out in the middle, plenty of water on the covers. Could roughly take around an hour for the conditions to get better if the rain continues to stay away.

If the match is washed out, both sides will get a point each, which would mean Zimbabwe will join Sri Lanka as the second team from Group B to move into the Super 8s.

3:27 PM IST, Local Time: It is drizzling at the moment and the covers are still firmly in position. The tension is palpable at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium as the rain delay pushes this crucial Ireland vs. Zimbabwe clash to the limit! To ensure we get a result and avoid a shared-point scenario that could shake up the Group B standings, a minimum five-over game must officially commence by the 6:15 PM IST, LOCAL TIME cutoff. 

3:50 PM IST, LOCAL TIME: ERMMM... The weather gods are certainly testing everyone's patience in Pallekele as the drizzle continues to fall and the covers remain firmly in place over the square. It’s a frustrating waiting game for fans and players alike, with the persistent rain keeping the toss on hold. The stadium is currently a sea of blue tarpaulin, and unless we see a dramatic shift in the sky very soon, we might be staring down the barrel of a washout. Hop on for more updates!!!

4 PM IST, LOCAL TIME: Umm... the plot thickens in Pallekele as we finally see some promising signs through the mist! While a fine drizzle is still lingering, its intensity has dropped significantly, encouraging the groundstaff to begin peeling back the primary covers. These heroes in raincoats are working overtime to ready the outfield, and though the waiting game continues, the sight of the square reappearing has sparked a renewed sense of hope in the stands. 

4:05 PM IST, LOCAL TIME: Uh... Oh! Heartbreak in the stands and a collective groan from the field. The rain has returned just as we were seeing a glimmer of hope! The groundstaff, who were making such incredible progress, have had to beat a hasty retreat as the covers are being rushed back onto the square. It’s a cruel blow for everyone involved, especially with the clock ticking relentlessly toward the cutoff. FYI, we will start losing overs from 4:10 PM IST, LOCAL TIME!!!

4:33 PM IST, LOCAL TIME: Sorry, folks!!! The weather in Pallekele is putting on a masterclass in frustration. The entire square remains buried under a sea of blue tarpaulin as the drizzle persists, refusing to let the game find its rhythm. It’s a grueling wait, but the groundstaff haven’t given up, as they are currently battling the elements, working tirelessly to "sweep" the pooling water off the covers to prevent it from seeping through. The waiting game continues....

4:58 PM IST, Local Time: The umpires are walking out in the middle with their umbrellas down. It goes up again as they reach the boundary, still some drizzle and plenty of water pooled on the covers. We should be around the final inspection of the day considering the groundstaff need around an hour to prepare the field and the cut off time being 6:15 PM.

5:04 PM IST, Local Time: The covers are now coming off. The umpires are out in the middle with their umbrellas open. Some Irish players are walking near the outfield checking the conditions.

5:30 PM IST, Local Time: The match has been abandoned due to rain. Handshakes in both the camps as the umpires convey their decision. Zimbabwe join hosts Sri Lanka as the second team from Group B to join Super 8s. Australia have been knocked out of the tournament in the group stage!

Australia and Ireland join Oman from Group B to be officially eliminated from the tournament. Zimbabwe had defeated Australia and Oman to collect 4 points from 2 games. Sri Lanka defeated Ireland, Oman and Australia to seal their spot in Super 8. Zimbabwe still have one more Group game remaining (v Sri Lanka) with Australia to take on Oman in their final encounter.

That's it from our coverage of the rain-hit Group B encounter between Ireland and Zimbabwe. Jubilation all around the stadium where the Zimbabwe fans are based. The team defying odds to head into Super 8. Huge wins versus Australia and Oman helping the side.

Ninaad Dixit here signing off on behalf of my co-commentator Dev Rajawat and scorer Raju Khariya. Stay tuned for more action from around the world.