Ireland vs Netherlands, Final at Belfast, , Aug 05 2008 - Match Result

4.30 pm The game has been abandoned due to rain. It never got very heavy but with the clouds looking very dark overhead it's a sensible decision. Join us on Thursday when we return to the more docile format of the Intercontinental Cup as Ireland take on Canada in Malahide. So just to recap Ireland and The Netherlands share the trophy, with Scotland likely to join them in the tournament finals next summer in Ireland. From me, Chris Busby, it's goodbye from a sodden Belfast

3.50 pm Finally some official news, not that it's that promising - the game will be abandoned if there is no play before 4.30pm, meaning the trophy would be shared. The rain has actually stopped at the minute but I doubt it will stay away for long

3.20 pm Very frustrating for all concerned as a light drizzle continues to fall. Overs are now being lost from the match so it will be reduced game when we get started, which is unlikely to be in the near future. Hang in there...

2.40 pm No further news from Belfast, the rain continues to fall on and off so there is no chance of play within the next thirty minutes. The Umpires are out having a look at the pitch at the minute, so I should have something more concrete shortly

2.10 pm Time for another update and some good news- the rain has stopped and it looks much brighter. The covers are all still in place but I would think they will be shifted shortly with a view to starting within the next hour. Official news soon

Team News Ireland are unchanged from their victory over Kenya, while the Dutch make two changes, Schoonheim for Pieter Seelaar and Geert Mol replaces ten Doeschate who has returned to Essex.

1.30 pm Well the rain is falling again and as we speak the covers are firmly in place. We have managed to squeeze in a toss and the news is that The Netherlands will bat after Ireland won the toss, when that happens is anyones guess

12.40 pm It has started to rain I'm afraid, so the toss has been delayed. It isn't that heavy but the clouds look pretty dark- it could well be a delayed start. I'll keep you updated, it just looks like one of those days...

The toss is in around ten minutes so I'll have some team news then, I would expect that both teams will be unchanged from the semi-finals yesterday

12.30 pm Good afternoon from Belfast as we prepare for the final between Ireland and the Netherlands. It's very overcast and showers are forecast this afternoon but hopefully we can get a game in uninterrupted.