Even if Pakistan narrowly defeats Ireland in their final Group A encounter on Sunday, they will still be able to advance to the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight stage if the USA loses to that same side on Friday.
The potentially fatal flash floods in Florida prompted the declaration of a state of emergency in Fort Lauderdale. The local government has grounded hundreds of planes that are traveling to and from airports in South Florida. Consequently, this left the Sri Lankan cricket team, who are playing in the T20 World Cup, stuck in the city. Three locations in the United States are set to host the T20 World Cup matches, including Fort Lauderdale. Heavy rain inside and outside the stadium caused the first game in the city, between Sri Lanka and Nepal, to be canceled as well.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the rainfall and flooding has affected and may continue to impact the operational capability of critical infrastructure, including major interstates, state and county roadways, airports, schools, and other critical infrastructure throughout these counties,” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated in the release.
The Sri Lankan squad was meant to sail from Fort Lauderdale for the Caribbean islands on Wednesday, but severe rain and floods forced them to postpone their trip.
While the United States takes on Ireland on Friday, Pakistan faces the same opponents on Sunday. If the United States defeats Ireland or the game is rained out, they would join India as the second team from Group A to qualify for the Super 8, meaning Pakistan’s game on Sunday will be irrelevant.
However, if the United States loses against Ireland, Pakistan can control their own destiny when they face the Irish on Sunday.
India continues to lead Group A with six points after three games (NRR +1.137). The team captained by Rohit Sharma has secured a spot in the Super 8. USA remains second with four points from three games, but their NRR has dropped to +0.127. This is extremely wonderful news for Pakistan, as their NRR is currently higher than the United States’.
This means that Pakistan can qualify for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight stage even if they defeat Ireland by a short margin in their last Group A match on Sunday, assuming the USA loses to the same side on Friday.
