The United States, in its debut T20 World Cup appearance, made history by advancing to the tournament’s Super Eight after their Group A match against Ireland in Lauderhill on Friday was cancelled. The cancellation not only dashed the Americans’ historic second-round berth from a tough group, it also dashed the hopes of Pakistan, with the 2009 champions eliminated from the tournament.
Babar Azam’s Pakistan will face Ireland in their final group game at the same venue on Sunday, but the result of that match will have no bearing on their place in the group. Pakistan’s only hope of staying in the tournament was for Ireland to beat the United States. Any other result would have meant Pakistan was eliminated, and that is what happened.
The US finished the group stage with five points from four games, while Pakistan could reach four points if they win their final match against Ireland.
Pakistan fell just short of the target of 120 in a tight defeat to India in New York on Sunday, after suffering a shock defeat to the USA in the Super Over in the opening match in Dallas.
The successive losses had already ended Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the Super Eights, complicating the global tournament once again with an unpredictable Pakistan once again coming up short.
The U.S. has advanced to the Super Eight stage along with India after victories over neighbors Canada and powerhouse Pakistan in their first two appearances.
The chances of Friday’s match being played were always bleak as tropical thunderstorms pounded Florida, where Lauderhill is located, causing constant rain and flooding, but even if the game had gone ahead, the USA, buoyed by two big wins and a spirited performance against India, would have been confident of beating Ireland and booking a place in the Super Eight.
This also qualified the United States to play in the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The top eight U.S. teams on the day of the T20 World Cup final, plus the two hosts and the top two remaining teams, will advance directly to the next T20 final. In fact, the Florida edition of the T20 World Cup here in Central Broward Park is in danger of being canceled due to inclement weather, forcing local authorities to declare a state of emergency.
Just two days ago, the match between Nepal and Sri Lanka was called off before the toss was even played.US qualification dashed Pakistan’s hopes, but Pakistan will have to take responsibility for losing their first two matches in New York, against the US and arch rivals India.
Babar Azam’s side needed big wins in their remaining two matches and beat Canada by seven wickets with Ireland in the wings, but that match at Gros Islet in St Lucia is now meaningless.
