AFP12 June 2024 | 4:01

Proteas into T20 Super Eights after Sri Lanka vs Nepal rained out

The result meant that Group D leaders South Africa, who have won all three of their games, become the first team to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Proteas into T20 Super Eights after Sri Lanka vs Nepal rained out

South Africa's Tristan Stubbs (R) celebrates with teammates after making a diving catch during the ICC men's Twenty20 World Cup 2024 group D cricket match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in East Meadow, New York on 3 June 2024. Picture: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP

LAUDERHILL - Heavy rain and a waterlogged outfield led to the abandonment of the T20 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Nepal on Tuesday in Florida.

The result meant that Group D leaders South Africa, who have won all three of their games, become the first team to qualify for the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Rain had poured down for most of the day, with flood warnings in place around the region, but a break in the weather led ground staff to begin the task of trying to dry the field.

However, to the disappointment of the large and lively contingent of Nepalese fans in the Central Broward Stadium, after an hour of working on removing the standing water, officials called the game off, leaving the teams to share the points.

Sri Lanka, having lost their opening two games against South Africa and Bangladesh, are now on the brink of mathematical elimination from the competition.

Nepal lost their opening game to the Netherlands.

South Africa lead Group D with a perfect six points in three matches, while Bangladesh and the Netherlands have two points each from two games.