The rain refused to relent in Florida, forcing a washout. And the United States made history by qualifying for the Super Eights, at the expense of Pakistan.
The T20 World Cup game between the USA and Ireland at Lauderhill on Friday was called off without a ball being bowled. It took the hosts to five points from four matches. Pakistan, currently on two points, can go to four maximum, if they beat Ireland on Sunday. Their World Cup is over.
The USA team in their very first appearance at the T20 World Cup proper have already proved that they are not a side to be taken lightly. After causing an upset against Pakistan and taking the game against India down to the wire, the USA have announced their arrival in international cricket, and the announcement is loud and clear.
After rain throughout the day and heavy flood warnings in Florida, it became a downpour as the umpires made the final inspection and the USA and Ireland players shook hands. Both teams took one point apiece from the game. Ireland, too, were eliminated, while India have already qualified from Group A.
Even in a damp squib, it was all about the USA, a historic day for the players representing the country. Overall, they became the sixth team to qualify after India, Australia, West Indies, Afghanistan and South Africa. Also, the USA became only the seventh Associate nation to reach the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup.
Questions arise as to why the ICC decided to pick Florida as one of the venues knowing full well that the coastal state receives the monsoon from mid-May to October. And this time around it’s even worse with thunderstorm predictions lasting almost two weeks and heavy flood warning throughout the state.
On the other hand, Pakistan must be cursing the rain considering that their hopes were pinned on Ireland winning this match. After a disappointing and below-par performance in the tournament, the side will now face “major surgery”, as stated by PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi.
All in all, the USA leg of the tournament has been thoroughly disappointing, first with below-par pitches in New York and then with the rain in Florida. Fans can only hope that they get to witness some real high-stake cricketing action in the West Indies in the Super Eights.