What India’s win against USA means for Pakistan

Florida storm threatens to eliminate Pakistan, pave way for US entering ‘Super 8s’

FE Team
| Published: June 13, 2024 23:43:54

Pakistan’s chances of reaching the Super 8s received a boost after India defeated USA in New York on Wednesday. However, a low-pressure system in the tropics has triggered an uncommon flash flood crisis across a significant portion of Florida, which threatens to wash out the three Group A matches of the T20 World Cup later this week.
The impact of a possible hat-trick of washed-out games will be significant on who joins India from Group A to progress to the ‘Super 8s’ stage of the tournament being co-hosted by USA and the Caribbean islands, reports agencies.
India’s 7-wicket win meant Pakistan stayed alive in the race to the Super 8s despite having won only one of their first three matches in an entertaining group stage at the showpiece T20 event. India became only the third team after Australia (Group B) and South Africa (Group D) to qualify for the Super 8s. India are now on top of the Group A points table with 6 points from three matches. USA, despite their defeat, are second with 4 points from three matches. However, their Net Run Rate has now dropped below that of Pakistan, who hammered Canada, successfully chasing 107 in just 17.3 overs on Tuesday, June 12.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Super 8 qualification hopes hangs by a thread, and they will be battling with co-hosts USA for a spot.
Pakistan are third in Group A, with two points in three games, behind second-placed USA (four points) and ahead of fourth-placed Canada (two points). Pakistan have a better run rate than all the teams in their group.
What does USA’s defeat against India mean for Pakistan?
USA’s defeat to India with 10 balls to spare makes the net run rate equation indifferent in Group A. Pakistan are ahead of the USA, with a net run rate of +0.191, compared to the co-hosts’ +0.127.
Pakistan will qualify for the Super 8 stage even if they defeat Ireland in a Super Over, and if Ireland defeat USA. Pakistan will reach the Super 8 stage if they defeat Ireland and USA lose to them, and the margin of victory doesn’t matter. Meanwhile, USA need at least a point against Ireland or they need Pakistan to drop a point, so that they can qualify for the Super 8 stage.
Pakistan’s biggest worry: Weather
Pakistan’s biggest worry will be the weather in Lauderhill for these crunch fixtures. If one of them gets washed out, then USA will reach the Super 8s.
On Sunday in Florida for Pakistan’s match, there is a chance for it to rain with a thunderstorm. According to Accuweather, it will also be cloudy. Meanwhile today (Friday) when Ireland will face USA, it is expected to be cloudy with a couple of showers and heavy thunderstorm, according to Accuweather. Also, there could be flooding problems.
Pakistan will face Ireland on June 16 (Sunday), and will be hoping to grab a win.