Rain knocks Ireland out of World T20

Ireland have joined the Netherlands in bowing out of the ICC World T20 after their match against Bangladesh was ruined by rain.

Persistent downpours in Dharamshala throughout Friday washed out Oman's match with the Netherlands and then the Ireland-Bangladesh match, meaning both the Dutch and the Irish are unable to qualify for the Super 10s stage.

Quick Single: Big wet washes away The Netherlands

There was at least some play for Ireland and Bangladesh, with the Tigers blasting 2-94 from eight overs after being asked to bat first before rain once again intervened.

Tamim Iqbal hit 47 from 26 balls for Bangladesh, including four sixes, while the Irish dropped two catches, gave away four overthrows and missed a stumping chance in the field.

The two washed out games means Bangladesh and Oman sit atop of Group A with three points apiece while Ireland and the Netherlands are on one point each.

Bangladesh and Oman will face off in a winner-takes-all clash on Sunday while Ireland and the Netherlands are playing for pride.

After the match, Ireland captain William Porterfield echoed the comments of Netherlands skipper Peter Borren about the lack of top-level opportunities for Associate nations.

"It's been a bug bear for a while," Porterfield said.

"It's obviously why the competition is here in the two phases. The ICC will lose a lot of revenue if one of the top nations go out ... in the early rounds.

"It doesn't happen in any other world competition. Every other sport grows their competition.

"Look at football - they're increasing the amount of teams for the ... World Cup. Rugby are doing the same. They're looking to progress their game.

"It's just a shame that the ICC at the top level keep insisting on cutting teams."

Earlier, Borren had lamented the absence of a reserve day that means his side's tournament is over after playing just one match.

Borren also lamented the lack of consistent matches available to Associate nations.

"The level of Associate cricket has dramatically improved," he said.

"The opportunities for games, however, have become far less.

"Four or five years ago I, we, used to play quite a few games. These days not many with the WCL (World Cricket League) going to a three-year cycle.

"I don't think it is those people who work hard ... they do work hard for Associate cricket. But maybe above them there is a sort of malaise towards Associate cricket.

"To grow further in the game, we always hear it is not commercially viable. We can't afford to do our own bilateral series. It is very difficult for us.

"We then hear World Cricket League has gone to a three-year cycle because it is not affordable otherwise.

"To be honest there is money somewhere. There is a lot of money in cricket. Just not really being spent on expanding the game.

"Although a bit of it is being spent, the revenue should be spread more far out so that we have that opportunity to play more."