United States makes history at T20 World Cup as co-hosts progress to the Super Eights after match against Ireland was abandoned

The United States made history Friday as they qualified for the Super Eight knockout stage of the T20 World Cup.  

The United States' group match against Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida was washed out on Friday, ensuring the co-hosts' progress to the Super Eight knockout stage at the expense of former champions Pakistan.

Unrelenting rain, which had put South Florida at risk of life-threatening flooding, resulted in a wet outfield when the teams arrived. Although the rain stopped in the morning, umpires called off the game when it returned after several inspections.

India top the group with six points while the U.S. are second with five points, which means third-placed Pakistan (two points) cannot finish in the top two even if they beat Ireland on Sunday in their final group game.

Only the top two teams from the four groups advance to the Super Eight. The US beat Canada in the tournament opener before stunning Pakistan. 

En route to the Super Eights, the US pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of the T20 World Cup with a stunning super-over victory against Pakistan in Dallas.

The Pakistanis needed 19 to win after Mohammad Amir had conceded seven in wides during the Americans’ super over, but left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed the big-hitting Iftikhar Ahmed and limited them to 13 - prompting wild scenes of celebration.

The perfect start catapulted the Americans to the top of Group A following their two opening wins. 

However, they fell short of repeating the incredible upset victory,  agonizingly losing to India, who battled to a seven-wicket victory in New York Wednesday. 

More to follow.