Ireland's World T20 qualifier with Italy washed out in Abu Dhabi

Rain ended Ireland's perfect record at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier after Thursday's game against Italy was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

It was an unlikely scenario in the desert setting of Abu Dhabi and the team picked up a point apiece.

Ireland had won their opening four qualifying matches to sit top of Group A and firmly on course for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh next year.

The Irish are back in action on Friday with Uganda their opponents.

Uganda also suffered a washout on Thursday for their game against the United States.

William Porterfield made history on Wednesday by becoming the first player to make a century in Twenty20 cricket for Ireland.

The Warwickshire opener smashed an unbeaten 127 from 69 balls in the 75-run win over the US.

Phil Simmons's team have also chalked up victories against Namibia, Canada and hosts UAE.

Two more wins, against Uganda and second-placed Hong Kong on Sunday, would see Ireland seal a place in the semi-finals as group winners.