By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Pakistan’s bid for T20 World Cup glory was left in tatters on Friday after a rain-soaked outfield forced the abandonment of the match between the United States and Ireland.
The match, which was delayed by over three hours, was eventually called off after multiple inspections by the umpires.
In order to qualify, Pakistan needed the match between USA and Ireland to happen with Irish taking the win. That would then open the door for Pakistan to beat Ireland and scrape through to the next round.
With no match possible between USA and Ireland due to wet outfield, both teams shared one point each which took the co-hosts to 5 points and into the Super 8s. Even if Pakistan win their match against Ireland on Sunday, they can reach a maximum of 4 points.
The no-result at Lauderhill’s Central Broward Regional Park saw Pakistan eliminated from the tournament, with the United States and India, who tops the group, advancing to the Super 8s stage.
Pakistan’s exit comes after a disappointing performance in the group stage, which saw them lose to the United States in a Super Over and arch-rivals India by six runs. Their only win came against Canada, which was not enough to keep Babar Azam’s men in contention.
The rain that washed out Friday’s match has been a recurring theme throughout the tournament, with Sri Lanka’s match against Nepal also falling victim to the weather on Tuesday.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for scheduling matches in Florida despite forecasts of heavy rain.
“This is a disgrace,” Latif told reporters. “The ICC knew the weather would be a problem, but they went ahead with the schedule anyway.”
Pakistan’s match against Ireland on Sunday is now a dead rubber, with the team’s fate already sealed.
“It is really very disappointing and sad that Pakistan team could not reach to the Super Eight, but it is also a bitter fact that Pakistan team played below the average cricket…now its time to rectify the problems,” former wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal said.
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