Howdy Stackers!!
'Weather in Florida.' That's a search term which would have generated an unusually high spike today about 8000 miles away from the epicenter in the whole of Pakistan. For those unaware of the group dynamics, Babar Azam's boys need a favour from not only mother nature, but also the Irish in order to give them a chance to qualify for the Super Eights. If United States win against Ireland today, they are through to the Super Eights, and Pakistan will be eliminated.
That means all of Pakistan is praying currently for the bad weather to make way for a clash. If this prayer is listened, they will be praying again for an Ireland victory.
Possible Outcomes and their Impact:
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If the match is washed out, USA are through to the Super 8s along with India and all other teams from group A stand eliminated.
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If USA wins, the same impact as the above.
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If Ireland wins, all teams (USA, Pakistan, Ireland, Canada) stay alive can make it to the playoffs.
Toss Update -
Toss hass been delayed due to weather outfield.
Pitch Report -
The track in Fort Lauderdale has been a batsman's paradise in its short international history. However, it will be under covers for more than 72 hours leading up to the game. Expect a soft and damp surface for the game in addition to overcast conditions, in what is rapidly turning out to be a bowlers' world cup.
Preview -
The sunshine state hasn't seen much sun lately as the greater Miami area finds itself swamped with as much as 10-12 inches of rain in certain neighbourhoods. Several visuals of waterlogged houses and submerged cars on the streets of south Florida did the rounds on social media. While those visuals may foster US fans to morbidly hope for the game to wash out, it leaves Pakistan on a precipice. The equation is quite clear, a USA win or a wash out takes USA to the super 8 stage. Whereas a loss would leave USA at the mercy of the outcome of the Pakistan and Ireland game. In a game where Pakistan stands to afford nothing less than a win.
However, USA have shown that if they press on with the fervour with which they have played their cricket in the past 3 months, a washout may after all be superfluous. The manner in which USA kept India on the leash for the majority of the run chase on Wednesday speaks volumes of the force they are turning out to be. USA look firm favourites over a beleaguered Ireland, languishing at the bottom of the table after a thrashing by India and a shock loss against Canada.
The two nations squared off against each other at the same venue in December 2021 and shared the honours one all in a 2 match T20I series. USA sent shockwaves with a 26 run win over full members Ireland more than 2 years back, the fact that they now start as favourites is a sporting fairytale that has engripped the cricketing world.
Thanks you so much for your consistent love and support for the live blog...
It's raining heavily now and the match has been called off. United States qualify for the Super Eights, Pakistan have been eliminated.