Canada's stunning win over Ireland has further complicated Pakistan's chances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Canada registered their first ever win in the T20 World Cup history on June 7 after shocking Ireland by 12 runs. Canada's win against has further complicated Pakistan's chances of advancing to the Super 8s as who recently suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of USA. USA currently top the chart with four points in their two matches followed by Team India, who have two points as they defeated Ireland by eight wickets in their T20 World Cup 2024 opener on June 5. Canada, after the win over Ireland, are currently grabbing the third spot with one win and two points after their two matches. Meanwhile, Pakistan are reeling at the fourth spot and are yet to open their points table. To round off the Group A, Ireland are teetering at the bottom of the table as they have suffered defeats in both the matches they have played so far, against India and now Canada.
Pakistan's Super 8 qualification in jeopardy
Pakistan's qualification for the Super 8s hinges on a precarious scenario. Ideally, they'd need to topple arch-rivals India on June 9. However, a loss to India throws a wrench in their plans. In that case, Pakistan would have to win both their remaining matches and rely on the USA losing their remaining games against Ireland and India. This dependence on another team's outcome is risky, especially considering USA's recent winning momentum. A loss against Ireland seems less likely for the resurgent USA team. Therefore, a victory against India is near-critical for Pakistan's Super 8s aspirations. Failing to do so would leave them precariously dependent on other results. Going by the track record against India in T20 World Cup, Pakistan have yet another reason to worry about their chances. So far the arch-rivals have played seven matches in which India have won six matches and have lost just once, which came in 2021.
Babar Azam's Pakistan shouldn't forget that the resurgent USA are also in the line for Super 8 qualification and arguably hold a better chance than them.
The USA is in a prime position to advance to the next stage of the T20 World Cup. Victories in their remaining matches against India (June 12) and Ireland (June 14th) would guarantee their qualification. The co-hosts, on the other hand, need at least one more win to solidify their place in the Super 8s.
If the USA defeats Ireland but loses to India, and Pakistan emerges victorious in all three of their remaining matches, then net run rate would become the deciding factor. However, a single Pakistan loss combined with a USA win over Ireland would secure a Super 8 berth for the co-hosts.
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