William Porterfield led Ireland to next year's World Twenty20

The final of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier in Belfast on Tuesday had to be abandoned because of rain.

Organisers decided that the trophy would be shared between hosts Ireland and the Netherlands who both qualify for next year's World Twenty20.

Because of their superior one-day rankings, Ireland will go forward to the event in England as top qualifier.

With Zimbabwe likely to miss the competition, Ireland are set to be grouped with India and Bangladesh.

The Netherlands will meet hosts England at Lord's in the opening game on 5 June before facing Pakistan.

Third-placed Scotland will go into a pool with South Africa and New Zealand, providing Zimbabwe's exclusion is confirmed.

After morning rain, Ireland captain William Porterfield did win the toss which took place shortly after the scheduled 1300 BST start.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Ireland's Twenty20 World Cup qualification

However, the rain then resumed and while the covers came off on a number of occasions the umpires had to bow to the inevitable shortly after 1600.

"It's a disappointing end to the tournament, not to play the climax but obviously we achieved our goal to qualify so we're pretty happy," said Ireland captain Porterfield, who is now anticipating another crack at cricket's big guns.

"It's going to be great. India, they're world champions. They're a great team. And to get to test yourself against the best teams in the world is what the World Cup's all about.

"Obviously Bangladesh would be one of the closest teams to us on a level playing field. But they're still going to be a tough opposition to beat.

"We saw that when we went over into their back garden. Twenty20's another format of the game. They won't be easy opposition but we're looking forward to it."

The Dutch, who would have been without impressive Essex all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate in the decider, were satisfied with the outcome.

"I'm just delighted with how it all went and to be headed to England," said coach Peter Drinnen.

Earlier, Canada's batsmen destroyed Bermuda to win the fifth place play-off by eight wickets.

The two countries will play in a tri-series with the West Indies this month.

India won the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa last year.

Ireland guaranteed themselves a place in England next year by beating Kenya in Monday's qualifier semi-finals.