Rain threatens T20 World Cup matches in Florida, Pakistan’s hopes hang in balance

The upcoming T20 World Cup matches in Florida are under threat due to continuous rainfall and flooding in South Florida. The state has declared an emergency following record rainfall, which has led to severe flooding, with more rain expected.

The Lauderhill Cricket Stadium and surrounding areas are inundated with water, putting the scheduled Friday match between the USA and Ireland at risk. The persistent rain could also dampen Pakistan’s remaining hopes in the tournament.

If Friday’s encounter between the USA and Ireland is washed out, Pakistan will be out of the tournament.

The Babar Azam-led side has managed just one win from three matches so far, beating Canada after losses to the United States and India.

Heavy rain is forecast for Thursday and Friday in South Florida. The downpours have already caused flooding, disrupted traffic, and led to cars floating and some homes being submerged. Even a brief period of heavy rain could exacerbate the flooding situation, according to the meteorological department.

Authorities have advised residents to take precautions, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, and refrain from unnecessary travel. Due to the weather conditions, practice sessions for the teams from Pakistan, the USA, and Ireland have been cancelled.

The critical clash between the USA and Ireland in the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for Friday, June 14, at Central Broward Stadium in Florida, is now uncertain. The USA has had a mixed performance, with wins against Canada and Pakistan but a loss to India. Ireland, on the other hand, has struggled, losing both of their initial matches.

The Central Broward Stadium has been favourable for batting, with teams batting first winning 11 out of 18 matches. However, the ongoing weather conditions may significantly impact the upcoming matches.

The national team now need to beat Ireland and have other results go their way to advance. However, the weather in Lauderhill, Florida could play spoilsport.

The Sri Lanka vs Nepal match on June 11 was washed out without a ball bowled due to heavy rain. More thunderstorms are forecast over the next week, with a 91% chance of rain during the USA vs Ireland match on June 14.

If that game is abandoned, the USA would earn a point and secure qualification, eliminating Pakistan.

There is also a 47% chance of rain for the Pakistan vs Ireland clash two days later. Pakistan’s path to the Super 8 requires the following outcomes:

June 14: Ireland to beat USA

June 15: India to beat Canada

June 16: Pakistan to beat Ireland

Even then, Pakistan and USA could be tied on four points, making net run rate the deciding factor.

Pakistan would likely need to beat Ireland by a huge margin while hoping the USA loses heavily to India and Ireland.

After shock losses to the USA and India, Pakistan kept their campaign alive by beating Canada on June 11. But the weather in Florida threatens to halt their progress, in what would be a major disappointment for the 2009 champions.