There was frustration for Ireland this morning with heavy rain in Abu Dhabi meaning that their ICC World Twenty20 qualifying game against Italy was abandoned without a ball bowled.
William Porterfield's men came into the Group A contest brimful of confidence following Wednesday's record-breaking win over USA but were left kicking their heels as the rain continued through the morning.
Heavy rain left the adjacent pitches and run-ups sodden, and despite several inspections, play was officially called off at 12:35pm local time.
The consolation for Ireland is that with the sides picking up a point apiece they remain in pole position in the group – one point ahead of Hong Kong, and three ahead of hosts UAE, who have a match in hand.
Two more wins, against Uganda on Friday and second-placed Hong Kong on Sunday would see Ireland emerge as group winners and into the semi-finals of the tournament.
The match tomorrow against Uganda gets under way at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium at 10am Irish time.
