By IANS,
Colombo: West Indies made it into the Super Eights after their World Twenty20 Group B tie against Ireland was abandoned due to rain at the R Premadasa Stadium here in Colombo Monday.
The Caribbean side entered the next stage on the basis of the net run rate.
Group toppers Australia, with four points from their two matches, already advanced to the next stage after beating West Indies Saturday.
This must-win tie for both the sides proved unfortunate for Ireland as their net run rate (-2.092) was lower than that of the West Indies (-1.855), with both sides sitting on a point each.
Electing to field first earlier, West Indies restricted Ireland to 129 for six in 19 overs.
The match was reduced to a 19-over encounter after rain stopped play during the Irish innings.
The inexperienced side kept losing wickets at regular intervals as none of the Caribbean bowlers allowed any batsman to play an anchor’s knock.
Niall O’Brien top scored with 25 while Gary Wilson and Paul Stirling chipped in with 21 and 19 respectively.
Chris Gayle took two wickets for 21 runs from his three overs.