CRICKET:IRELAND ARE set to face defending champions India and Bangladesh in next summer's World Twenty20 Cup group stages after yesterday's Qualifier final against the Netherlands was rained off in Belfast.

Although the sides shared the trophy, Ireland's higher placing in the ICC One Day rankings means they qualify as the first Associate nation, with the Dutch now facing England and Pakistan in Group B of next June's finals in England.

Ireland's Group A games are scheduled for the 17,000-capacity Trent Bridge ground in Nottingham, opening against Bangladesh on June 8th before taking on India two days later.

With Ireland having already beaten Bangladesh in the Super Eights at last year's 50-over World Cup, the draw provides a chance to make the second round again if they can defeat the Tigers.

"It's a disappointing end to the tournament not being able to play the final, but we achieved our main goal in qualifying so we're pretty happy," said Ireland skipper William Porterfield.

Canada beat Bermuda by eight wickets to wrap up fifth spot in the morning but the rain came just after Porterfield had won the toss and opted to put the Dutch in to bat. All-rounder Andre Botha was named player of the tournament after finishing as Ireland's top run-scorer and wicket-taker.

Meanwhile, Ireland are back in action tomorrow, when they take on Canada in a four-day Intercontinental Cup game at Malahide.

ICC WORLD TWENTY20 QUALIFIER At Stormont - 5th/6th place play-off: Bermuda 70 (20 ovs) (O Pitcher 15; S Welsh 2-6, S Dhaniram 2-9, H Baidwan 2-11, H Osinde 2-12), Canada 71-2 (10.3 ovs) (G Barnett 31no, J Davison 19). Canada won by 8 wickets.

Final: Match abandoned because of rain. Ireland and the Netherlands share the title.