Ireland vs West Indies, 11th Match, Group B at Colombo, , Sep 24 2012 - Match Result

10.30pm The match has been abandoned so West Indies are through to the Super Eights (without winning a game, like England in 2010) and Ireland are going home. Tough on the Irish, although West Indies were always favorites to chase down this target. I'll hang around in case we get anything from the presentation.

Well, don't think we are going to hear from the captains right away so I'm going to sign off for the evening. From myself and Alan Gardner thanks for joining us and come back for Pakistan-Bangladesh tomorrow. One Super Eights place up for grabs. Bye for now.

10.25pm "Can't they think of rescheduling the matches to start early," suggests Aman. "Why can't they start at 6.30 or even 5.30 if it's gonna rain only late in the evening.I would take a match played at 4 instead of not getting to see one at all." Blimey, that's verging on common sense.

I'd suggest we are getting close to a call-off. No official word yet, but it's still raining and all the covers are on.

Kyle McCallan, doing studio work in the UK, has a sense of deja vu after Ireland were also hit by the rain at the 2010 event in West Indies when they had a chance against England in Guyana.

10.15pm "It's very sad that tournament organisers schedule such a big event during monsoon season," says Nick. "Off topic question, but still relating to the England/Ireland player debate. As a South African, we would welcome Kevin Pietersen back home should England fail to rsolve the KP-Gate saga, but I doubt SA can fit him into the current side. Your thoughts?" Hmmm, how many South Africans would welcome him back? He would have to re-qualify anyway - four years I think.

Just a reminder, close of play is 11pm local and we need five overs which takes about 20 minutes so we probably need to be on by about 10.40pm

10.10pm While it's throwing it down, you can entertain yourselves with George Dobell's innings report.

"It's because of ECB and playing in county that players of Ireland are getting better," says Rajinder Singh.

Here's Dan: "I certainly wouldn't blame someone like Morgan, or the ECB, for Irish players leaving Ireland to play Test cricket. But wouldn't it be better for the game if Irish players didn't have to leave their country to play Test cricket?" That's the ideal scenario and what Cricket Ireland are planning for. It's passed by this generation, but who knows about the future.

10.00pm Why on earth such a big tournament has been organised in a part of world where there is raining season these months?" asks Rehan. "Can't they just find some other months for this premier tournament? It's a shame for the fans." Indeed it is, Rehan. And it's not the first time they've tried to stage a tournament in Sri Lanka at this time of year. Last time it rained, too.

Here's James on the Ireland-England debate: "You can't accuse the ECB of "preying" on the best Irish players, it's a tired cliche. Some want to play test cricket and can't do so with Ireland, so chose to qualify for England, it's as simple as admiral personal ambition."

And now Deshan: "Some of the people ALWAYS taking a swing at ECB/England and Wales Cricket really need to grow up. England brought us this great game. Besides, Ed Joyce moved from England to Ireland. People like Eoin Morgan is a great cricketer and HE made the decision to leave. Who would get recognition as things stand, playing in Ireland??? Too much rubbish about England-bashing is tolerated here!" Posting comments doesn't mean it's tolerated. Just opening the debate.

"At least Ireland can play spin," says Mahip. "England were batting as they had a stump in their hand and a bowling ball was being bowled at them."

9.55pm "Ireland have performed quite well in the limited matches they have got in all the World cups," says Chibi. "They have been quite consistent than the other associate teams so far.. even with ECB preying on their good players..! Wish they get a much better recognition." That's a common sentiment. Just ask Trent Johnston.

Just hearing that the cut-off is 11pm local time, so an hour from now, and needing five overs for a game I reckon we'd need to be on about 20 minutes before that to get the play in. If it's a five-over game, West Indies will need 44. We aren't there just yet, though.

9.50pm Oh dear, it's raining. The covers are coming on. I was about to say there had been no adjustment to the West Indies target despite Ireland's innings being stopped after five overs. Hopefully it's a short shower, but remember we need five overs for a match. If it's washed out, West Indies go through.

"Though WI have an intimidating batting line-up, they also have the recent history of implosion after fruitful performances," says Ramshankar. "This is like chasing a target of around 200 in the fourth innings. Not to be taken lightly or it might boomerang on them."

Hello folks. Andrew here for the run chase. Gut feeling is Ireland have nowhere near enough (sorry Ireland fans) but they've pulled off some amazing things in the past.

"Everyone apart from Will Porterfield got into double figures," says Mark. "No one past 25. It will take an almighty bowling effort to defend this, although Ireland defended small totals in the 2007 World Cup against Full Members."