Fighting for survival in the race for a place in the Super Eight, Babar Azam’s Pakistan defeated Canada on Tuesday to move into the final spot in Group A. Babar’s Pakistan outplayed Canada by seven wickets to record their first win in the 2024 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup. Pakistan are among the unlikely teams to qualify for the Super Eight in the T20 World Cup along with India, but legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara expects the Green Army to make an early exit from Group A.
The former world champions recorded a shocking defeat at the hands of the United States of America (USA) in the opening match of their T20 World Cup campaign in Dallas. Following the humiliating defeat to USA in the Super Over, Babar’s Pakistan team was overwhelmed by Rohit Sharma’s Team India in a titanic clash between the traditional rivals. Pakistan sits third in the Group A standings and is in the running to be the runners-up in 2022 behind USA and leaders India.
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“I bet on America”: Lara
talk Star Sports With the group stage of the ICC event being played in the US and West Indies, legendary batsman Lara acknowledged that Pakistan has a chance to make it to the final stage of the tournament. However, Lara is backing the US to advance to the Super 8s from Group A along with India. “Obviously, mathematically they (Pakistan) have a chance. I think the US just need to win their last game and if they do that they will qualify. But we are hoping for them to win and for the US to lose. So I am betting on the US. I think they are full of confidence and want to advance to the historic Super 8s which is huge for US cricket,” Lara said.
Explained: How Pakistan can qualify for the Super 8 at the T20 World Cup
Much to Pakistan’s advantage, Rohit and team defeated the US by seven wickets in the Group A encounter between the two teams in New York. Pakistan has two losses and one win, giving them a lead in net points percentage over the US. Pakistan can maintain their lead in net points percentage over the US with a win against Ireland. If Ireland beats the US and Pakistan wins their final Group A match, Babar and team will enter the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. As co-hosts, the US needs one point against Ireland. If Pakistan loses one point, the US will enter the Super 8 stage. Lauderhill will host both matches and if either match is cancelled, the US will clinch a ticket to the Super 8.
