Pakistan’s chances of making it into the Super Eight in the ongoing T20 World Cup were always looking grim after they suffered a shock defeat to hosts USA in the opening match.
Losing the second match to India was particularly hard to swallow – they could have won easily after restricting India to 119 in the first innings – but Pakistan bounced back with a win over Canada. But Pakistan still have a mountain to overcome in the coming days – and it will be tough given the weather conditions in Lauderhill, the Florida city where Group A’s most crucial match will be played.
Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium (Lauderhill) will host the following games:
USA vs. Ireland: Friday, June 14
India vs Canada: Saturday, June 15
Pakistan v Ireland: Sunday, June 16
Recently, a must-win match between Sri Lanka and Nepal at the same venue was called off due to heavy rains and flood warnings in Lauderhill.
The heavy rains have plunged Sri Lanka into crisis mode, and now it seems Pakistan may suffer the same fate.
Lauderhill, Florida Weather Forecast
“A weather system brought excessive rain to South Florida yesterday (Tuesday) and today, which is expected to continue through Friday. The City of Lauderhill is mobilizing crews in areas of concern to minimize pooling,” a press note on the city’s official website reads.
Lauderhill is right next to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to US media reports, South Florida is experiencing a rare flash flood emergency.
According to one report Associated Press“Wednesday’s heavy rains and subsequent flooding closed roads, floated cars and delayed the Florida Panthers on their way to Canada for their Stanley Cup game against the Edmonton Oilers… Numerous roads were flooded, making vehicles impassable. On Interstate 95, Broward County’s main artery, southbound traffic was detoured around flooded sections while contractors were on their way to pump out the drainage system.”
A flood watch is in effect for all of South Florida through Friday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also declared a state of emergency on Wednesday for five counties, including Broward County, where Lauderhill is located.
How will the Florida rains affect Pakistan’s chances of victory?
Because the USA lost to India with 10 balls remaining, the net run rate will not play a role in deciding the fate of the second-placed team in Group A (India has already secured first place). Pakistan has a better NRR than the USA: 0.191 for Pakistan, 0.127 for the USA. Pakistan only needs to beat Ireland and see the USA lose to qualify.
However, the US team only needs one point to qualify, meaning that if the Ireland match is cancelled, they will qualify. Similarly, if the Pakistan match is cancelled and Pakistan scores one point, the US will qualify.
