Florida, JUN 14: Ireland will face the United States in a crucial T20 World Cup 2024 Group A match today at the Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, Florida.
However, rain could play spoilsport during the match due to severe flood warning in Florida.
Florida governor Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency in Broward County, where the cricket stadium is situated.
If the match is washed out, Ireland, Canada and Pakistan will be eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 before the Super 8 stage. Meanwhile, the USA will qualify for the next round alongside India, who have already booked their spot in the Super 8.
According to The Weather Channel, there are high chances of thunderstorms during the match between Ireland and USA today. The match will begin at 10:30am local time.
Weather forecast in Lauderhill, Florida, on June 14:
10 AM: 64% chance of rain
11 AM: 70% chance of rain
12 PM: 64% chance of rain (Thunderstorms expected)
1 PM: 52% chance of rain (Scattered thunderstorms expected)
2 PM: 66% chance of rain (Thunderstorms expected)
In order to ensure a result, a minimum of five overs must be played in each innings. Moreover, the two teams will have additional 90 minutes to account for any weather-related interruptions.
After today’s match, two more important Group A matches are scheduled to be held in Florida in the coming days. India face Canada on Saturday and Pakistan meet Ireland on Sunday.
Pakistan have played three matches in the T20 World Cup 2024 and won just one against Canada. The path to the Super 8s for the Pakistan is tough but not impossible.
The following results of Group A teams will ensure Pakistan’s qualification in the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup 2024:
June 14: USA vs Ireland: — Ireland win
June 15: Canada vs India — India win
June 16: Ireland vs Pakistan — Pakistan win
If all of the above-mentioned matches give the same results as listed then Pakistan will have four points in four games. India will have eight and the USA will have the same points as Pakistan. Canada and Ireland will have two points each at the end of the group-stage games.
Despite being equal on points with USA, Pakistan will go through to Super 8 since there is not a big difference in the net run-rate of the two sides.
Earlier, former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to shift the T20 World Cup matches from Florida.
“Viewing the circumstances in Florida, it is looking like the matches won’t take place. ICC must take action, knowing many matches will get affected and shift to another venue,” he said on a local news channel.
“Even if two matches take place at a single venue. I am sure the teams involved would have contacted ICC, asking to shift the games,” he added.
