England move into blind Cup semis

By David Gavrilovic

England reached the blind cricket World Cup semi-finals when their final group game against Pakistan was cancelled due to a waterlogged outfield.

Heavy overnight rain meant the match could not start on time and although the sun shone all day, the pitch could not be made safe to play on.

It was the second successive wash-out for England, with Sunday's match against New Zealand also lost to the weather.

But it did confirm their progress to the last four where they will face India, the only team to beat them in the tournament so far.

England, however, can now rest until Thursday, while India have to play another group match on Tuesday.

Whatever the result, Pakistan are already guaranteed to finish top of the standings and will face fourth-placed Australia in the other semi-final on Wednesday.

England will be bidding to reach the final of the competition for the first time after finishing third in 2002.