Ireland put England's campaign in peril

Buttler's Men Lose By Five Runs In Match Truncated By Rain

England's hopes of reaching the T20 World Cup semifinals suffered a major dampener on Wednesday after the former champions slumped to a shock loss to Ireland as rain forced an early finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Chasing 158 for victory, England were 105 for five with 5.3 overs left when the rain came, leaving them stranded at five runs behind the Duckworth-Lewis (DL) par score.

With the start also delayed by rain, Ireland were soon confirmed winners, throwing the Super 12s wide open and triggering rain dancing among green-clad pockets of fans.

"Myself getting out first over didn't help, we never managed to get initiative," said captain Jos Buttler, who was caught behind for a two-ball duck.

"Ireland were excellent, they outplayed us. We made a mistake here (which) has made it difficult in a tough group."