Cricket

Florida's unpredictable weather has cast a shadow over the T20 World Cup, leading to a series of washouts and frustration among teams and fans alike. The continuous rain has resulted in numerous ground inspections and the cancellation of several crucial matches, including the highly anticipated India vs. Canada encounter.The inclement weather has particularly affected Pakistan, who have seen their hopes of advancing in the tournament dwindle due to the washouts. After losing their opening matches to the USA and India, Pakistan's chances of progressing rested on a win against Canada. However, the rain-abandoned match between the USA and Ireland effectively ended their campaign.Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has expressed his disappointment with the ICC's handling of the situation, emphasizing that the outcomes of matches should be determined by the teams' skills rather than weather conditions. He pointed out the lack of adequate facilities at venues in the US and the unpreparedness to tackle inclement weather, especially in flood-prone Florida.Sidhu highlighted the disparity between cricket and other sports, where stadiums are fully covered to ensure that matches can proceed even in adverse weather conditions. He urged the ICC to invest in better infrastructure and resources to ensure that teams' abilities are fairly assessed.The washout of the USA vs. Ireland match was particularly frustrating, as it was a crucial Group A fixture that ended without a ball being bowled due to the wet outfield. The India vs. Canada match at the same venue the following day met the same fate.Pakistan's inconsequential last group match against Ireland is also scheduled to be held in Lauderhill, Florida, as the city continues to experience flood-like conditions. The team's hopes of salvaging some pride from the tournament now rest on a positive result in this match.

Australian opener Marcus Harris anchored Leicestershire's innings on a rain-affected opening day of the Vitality County Championship match against Derbyshire at Derby. Despite Derbyshire's fielding lapses, Harris remained unbeaten on 77 from 147 deliveries, guiding Leicestershire to a respectable 168 for 2.Derbyshire's decision to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch backfired as Harris and Rishi Patel put on a 50-run partnership before rain halted play shortly after midday. Patel was dropped on nine by Aneurin Donald, while Harris received two reprieves from Wayne Madsen.Upon resumption, Derbyshire's bowlers continued to struggle, with Harris edging Anuj Dal to Madsen, who once again failed to hold on. However, Blair Tickner broke the partnership by dismissing Patel for 36, finding enough away movement to beat his forward defensive push.Rain returned shortly after, keeping the players off the field until 5.30pm. When play resumed, Derbyshire claimed a second wicket when Louis Kimber edged Sam Conners to Donald at third slip.Harris and skipper Lewis Hill (34 not out) then took control, scoring freely in the closing overs to leave Leicestershire in a strong position heading into day two.