-By ArdorComm News Network
June 14, 2024
Pakistan’s hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight stage hinge on their match against Ireland on Sunday. Even a narrow win could secure their spot, provided the USA loses to Ireland on Friday. However, the situation is complicated by the state of emergency declared in Fort Lauderdale due to life-threatening flash floods in Florida.
The severe weather has disrupted many aspects of life in Fort Lauderdale, including the grounding of hundreds of flights. The Sri Lankan cricket team, participating in the T20 World Cup, is currently stranded in the city. Fort Lauderdale, one of the three venues in the USA scheduled to host the T20 World Cup matches, has already seen one game washed out due to heavy rain.
“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,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the emergency declaration. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis also declared a state of emergency.
The Sri Lankan team was scheduled to fly to the Caribbean islands on Wednesday, but their departure was delayed due to the adverse weather. Sri Lanka is set to play the Netherlands in their final group game on Monday, June 17, in St. Lucia.
Why Pakistan Might Get Knocked Out Due to “State of Emergency”?
The Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale is scheduled to host key games this week, including matches involving Pakistan and the USA, both vying for a place in the next round from Group A. If the USA beats Ireland or if their match gets washed out, they will advance to the Super 8 along with India, knocking Pakistan out of contention.
India currently leads Group A with six points from three games (NRR +1.137) and is assured of a Super 8 berth. The USA, with four points from three games, holds the second spot, but their NRR has dropped to +0.127, which is good news for Pakistan as their NRR is now better than the USA’s.
This means that Pakistan can still qualify for the Super Eight stage even with a narrow win against Ireland on Sunday, but only if the USA loses to Ireland on Friday.