Have Pakistan been knocked out of 2024 T20 World Cup after USA’s defeat to India?
Pakistan team and their fans had a close eye on the 2024 T20 World Cup clash between India and the United States on Wednesday (June 12). The result of this match was crucial for them to stay alive in the tournament and reach the Super 8 phase.
The Men in Green desperately needed a favor from their neighboring nation to avoid elimination from the group stage. India did not disappoint them as they beat the USA side comfortably by seven wickets. As a result, the net run rate of the United States also deteriorated and went below that of Pakistan.
Pakistan's supporters across the globe will heave a sigh of relief as they were not knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup due to India's victory on Wednesday.
The Babar Azam-led side will now be praying for Ireland's victory against the USA. Pakistan will then have to beat the Irish team in their final group match on Sunday (June 16) to qualify for Super 8. USA's win over Ireland or a washout of this contest on June 14 will eliminate them from the tournament.
Team India became the first team to advance to Super 8 from Group A before the likes of Pakistan and the USA
Team India secured their spot in the Super 8 with three successive wins in the group stage. Before victory in Wednesday's game against the USA, they defeated Ireland and Pakistan.
The United States team batted first in the latest contest and scored 110/8 in 20 overs on a tricky pitch at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Steven Taylor (24) and Nitish Kumar (27) got starts but failed to convert them into substantial knocks. Arshdeep Singh (4-9) and Hardik Pandya (2-14) were among the wickets for the Indian team.
Middle-order batters Suryakumar Yadav (50*) and Shivam Dube (31*) resurrected India's innings after a top-order collapse and helped them reach 111/3 in 18.2 overs and win the match by seven wickets. Indian captain Rohit Sharma reflected on the win after the match, saying:
"We knew it was going to be a tough task scoring those many runs. Credit to us that we held our nerves till the end. Credit to Surya and Dube for taking the game to the end and playing mature knocks."
He added:
"Bowlers had to take the lead; we knew that run scoring would not have been easy. It could have been anyone's game and we had to take the game deep. Luckily, we took the game till the end and won it. Surya has shown that he has a different game plan according to the pitch, and that is what you expect from your experienced players."
Which team will join India in the Super 8 from Group A? Let us know your views in the comments section.