Team India had the scope of getting some decent practice on Saturday, against Canada in Lauderhill, Florida, ahead of the Super 8 stage of this T20 World Cup. They also had a chance to test out players, who were on the bench in the first three group games. But the Florida weather had other plans.
Florida received 61 centimetres of rain over the last four days. Though it didn’t rain while India — already qualified for the next round of games — and minnows Canada were at the ground on Saturday, the outfield remained wet and soggy, because of a below-par drainage system and the lack of ground covers at the venue.
After a couple of inspections at 8pm and 9pm Indian time, the umpires decided to abandon the game.
Friday’s game between United States and Ireland at the same venue had been a washout as well. That meant co-hosts USA qualifying for the Super 8s and 2009 T20 World Cup champions Pakistan exiting the competition.
India would not be too disappointed at losing out on a chance to play though, especially with the outfield being very soft, something which can lead to injuries for the fielding side. Rohit Sharma and Co. would certainly want each and every member of their group to remain fully fit before their first Super 8 clash against an upbeat Afghanistan in Bridgetown on Thursday.
“It would have been great if we could have gotten a game. But now, this is what it is. So, we look forward to having a couple of good practice days in Barbados and get into the game. The matches now will happen simultaneously after one day. So, as a team, I think we are ready,” batting coach Vikram Rathour said later.
Mujeeb out
Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been ruled out of the competition with a finger injury in a blow to Afghanistan ahead of the Super 8 stage.
Batsman Hazratullah Zazai came in as Mujeeb’s replacement.
Mujeeb, who injured his right index finger, only featured in the game against Uganda.
