Team India stormed into the T20 World Cup 2024's Super 8 stage after crushed USA by seven wickets at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 12. USA suffered their first defeat in the T20 World Cup after securing back-to-back victories against Canada and Pakistan.
However, India's victory over USA came as a blessing in disguise for Pakistan as far as Babar Azam & Co's Super 8 qualification is concerned. Pakistan suffered consecutive defeats in their first two matches, one came against comparatively minnow side and hosts nation USA and the other against arch-rivals India. Two defeats on the trot pushed Pakistan on the verge of elimination with zero points in two matches. Although they did manage to eke out a win against Canada in their third encounter in the ongoing T20 World and garner two crucial points in the Group A but their Super 8 chances still hangs by a thread.
India's victory over USA opens door for Pakistan's Super 8 Qualification
India's win over the USA gives Pakistan a fighting chance to qualify for the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup 2024. Here's what needs to happen in Group A for Pakistan to advance:
USA vs Ireland: — Pakistan would want Ireland to notch a win against USA on June 14
Canada vs India: — Pakistan would want India to beat Canada in this encounter on June 15.
Ireland vs Pakistan: — Pakistan would want them to record win when they next face Ireland on June 16.
If the predicted results for the remaining matches hold true, Pakistan will end with 4 points from 4 games, tied with the USA. India would secure the top spot with 8 points. Canada and Ireland would finish with 2 points each.
However, a tie on points means net run rate (NRR) becomes crucial. Pakistan's cautious approach against Canada, which extended their chase despite a low target, might hurt their NRR. For now India boast an NRR of +1.137 while Pakistan have a net run rate of +0.191. On the other hand, USA have an NRR of +0.127. Meanwhile Canada and Ireland are sitting with an NRR of -0.493 and -1.712 respectively.
Pakistan's qualification hinges on two things:
They need a convincing win against Ireland to improve their NRR significantly.
They need the USA to lose their final match against Ireland (ideally not a rainout).
In short, Pakistan's fate rests on their performance against Ireland and hoping the USA loses.
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