Rain threat looms over Pakistan's T20 World Cup hopes

Pakistan's hopes of reaching the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 hangs by a thread as heavy rainfall is predicted in Florida, where their crucial final group match against Ireland is scheduled on June 16.

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.

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 12: USA to lose to India
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.