A match that promised so much ends without a ball being bowled and with it clarity emerges in the outcome of Group B.

Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will finish in the top two and thus qualify for the Super 8s.

The rain ends Ireland's hopes and more surprisingly those of Australia, who started the tournament among the favourites to triumph.

That's all from us for now - thanks for your company.

That's it! No play possible in Kandy and it means Zimbabwe secure a place in the Super 8s while Ireland and Australia are out of the World Cup.

It looked like the covers were coming off but they were quickly back on as rain continues to delay a possible start in Kandy.

If there is no play each side will pick up a point meaning Zimbabwe progress to the Super 8s with Ireland and world number two side Australia making their exit at the group stage.

Image source, Getty Images

Australia's hopes of reaching the Super 8 stage are all but over after Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka hit a brilliant unbeaten 100 to condemn them to an eight-wicket defeat in Pallekele yesterday.

Stunned by Zimbabwe on Friday - after beating Ireland in their opener - Australia needed a win to keep their qualification fate in their own hands but it is Sri Lanka who march into the next round.

For Australia to sneak through as the second-placed team from Group B, they now need Zimbabwe to lose both of their remaining matches and then to defeat Oman themselves, which would bring net run-rate into play.

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Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

There's virtually no rain out there at the moment and the ground staff are coming out, so at least there's some hope.

It must be frustrating for Ireland, who have got an outside chance to progress with a big thumping win against Zimbabwe today, and crucially for Australia because if this game is rained off, Zimbabwe will be confirmed as at least finishing second in the group and that would knock Australia out in the group stage, which would be extraordinary.

Blessing Muzarabani claimed a career-best 4-17 as Zimbabwe held their nerve to stun Australia with a brilliant 23-run win in the T20 World Cup on Friday.

Set the tricky target of 170, Australia had looked in big trouble at 29-4 before Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell's 77-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Australia needed 34 runs off the final two overs, but when Renshaw was caught for 65 after he skied the superb Muzarabani with eight balls remaining the game was effectively up.

Zimbabwe just need a point from their final two games - against Ireland today and the already-qualified Sri Lanka on Thursday - to seal a place in the Super 8s.

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Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It had effectively stopped raining half an hour ago, but it's now more like a persistent drizzle.

It's not great for Ireland or Australia at the moment as the rain has intensified ever so slightly.

Daniel Norcross
Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

There is no sign of activity from the ground staff yet but if it stays not raining for another few minutes, we may start to see them.

However, the covers which cover the entire outfield have got a lot of water on them, so it could take about another hour.

Stand-in captain Lorcan Tucker hit an unbeaten 94 to lead Ireland to a 96-run win over Oman at the T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Having lost their opening games against Sri Lanka and Australia, Ireland needed both victory and a boost to their net run-rate to have any hopes of progression.

What was to be a first win at the tournament since beating England in 2022 looked in doubt when Tucker came to the crease with his side 25-2, but the wicketkeeper equalled his highest score in the format to power Ireland to 235-5 by the end of their innings.

Despite Aamir Kaleem providing a half-century, Oman wickets fell quickly with Josh Little leading the way for Ireland's bowlers with three wickets for 16 runs.

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Image source, Getty Images

I'm afraid there will be a delay in getting this Group B match under way in Pellekele.

Image source, Getty Images

Welcome to our coverage of the Group B encounter between Ireland and Zimbabwe in Pallekele.

The Irish need a big win and other results to go their way to stay in the hunt for a spot in the Super 8s.

Zimbabwe have won their opening two games - a victory would see them progress and end the hopes of both Ireland and Australia.

We'll bring you the toss and team news when we get it but the weather's not great at the minute.

Thanks for joining us.

Image source, Getty Images