CRICKET:Frustration was the order of the day at Castle Avenue in Clontarf yesterday afternoon as the first World Cup qualifier between Ireland and Afghanistan was abandoned under blue skies.

With no play possible on Tuesday, the match officials made their decision just after 2pm on the reserve day due to the sodden state of the bowler run-ups, in particular at the Killester end of the ground.

Both captains had been included in earlier discussions with the umpires, and both stated their desire to try to play a 20-over match to decide the two points on offer.

With clear skies and a drying breeze that looked a possibility, but the umpires decided that the ground conditions would not improve enough in time for the latest possible start time of 4.40pm.

Both sides take a point each from the abandoned game and will return to Clontarf this morning (10.45am) for the second qualifier hoping to finally decide matters on the pitch.