file photo
Florida, News Agency: Pakistan's challenge in the T20 World Cup is over. Friday's match between USA and Ireland (USA vs IRE) was called off due to rain. Both teams were awarded one point each. Therefore, by taking 5 points, America confirmed the Super-8 round. Pakistan, who have won just one out of 3 matches so far, will remain on four points if they win their next match. Therefore, Pakistan has officially withdrawn from the T20 World Cup. Playing in their first ever World Cup, USA reached the Super-8 round in a historic performance and also qualified for the 2026 World Cup. So now they don't have to play qualifying round for it.
India have secured their place in the Super 8 from Group A while hosts USA are leading with 4 points for the second place. Pakistan (2) and Canada (2) also had chances. It has been raining heavily in Florida for the past few days. The last league match of both the teams here was interrupted by rain. Just as rain was predicted for the USA match, the USA vs Ireland match was also rained out and Pakistan was washed away.
Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat in the Super Over against USA in the first match of the tournament. After that, they threw their canoes against arch rival India. Indian bowlers pulled the straw of victory from Pakistan's stomach and after that Pakistan's position was shaky. Pakistan stayed in the race with a win over Canada and India's defeat of the US in the third match, but their fate hinged on the outcome of Friday's match.
By 10 o'clock the pitch was being inspected and the referee announced the start of the match at 11.46. Due to delay due to rain, this match was to be played at 5-5 overs. During the 11 o'clock inspection of the pitch, the match officials were displeased with some of the wet surfaces on some of the pitches. Meanwhile, once again the cloudy atmosphere was formed and there was lightning. So the pitch was covered again. It rained heavily again. Match referee Javagal Srinath declared the match abandoned and Pakistan's pack-up was confirmed.