The United States of America, playing their first-ever World Cup, made history by making the second round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Friday. The tournament co-hosts needed at least one point from their final Group A match against Ireland in Florida, and it got abandoned due to wet outfield. The USA thus pocketed five points from three matches. And it meant that Pakistan, the former champions and the last edition's finalists, were eliminated. So thus Ireland. India have already qualified for the Super 8 from the group. Here's the recap of whatever little happened during the long wait at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill, Florida. (Full Coverage|Cricket News)
22:09 IST: Next inspection will be at 10:45 PM IST.
21:11 IST: There will be another inspection at 10:00pm IST.
21:06 IST: The umpires head out for their inspection. The pitch is given the all-clear with no issues, but there are a few damp patches further away from the wicket.
20:15 IST: Next inspection is at 9:00pm IST.
19:29 IST: Toss has been delayed due to a wet outfield. But no rain right now.
Pakistan fans are sweating over the weather in Florida ahead of the crucial Group A match.
Florida Weather
Florida is currently experiencing a tropical disturbance, resulting in intense rainfall with no signs of abating for the rest of the week. A flash-flood emergency in the region poses a significant risk of washing out the scheduled matches. The fate of the game between the USA and Ireland hangs in the balance, depending on whether the weather permits play or the rain disrupts the match altogether.
Anxious Pakistan
Pakistan, who lost to the USA in their opener, will hope for a full match today. A washout or a tie, which will give the USA one point, will end Babar Azam & Co's Super 8 hopes. As things stand, India lead Group A with six points (three wins in three). The USA are second with four (two wins and one defeat), followed by Pakistan (one win, two defeats), Canada (one win, two defeats) and Ireland (two defeats in two).
USA and IRE Squads
United States: Monank Patel (c), Aaron Jones, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Nethralvakar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor, Shayan Jahangir.
Ireland: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock (wk), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White and Craig Young.
