Pakistan's chances to enter the T20 World Cup's Super 8 stage are tied to today's crucial match between Ireland and the USA at the Central Broward Park and Broward County Stadium in Florida.
The Men in Green's fate in the tournament depends on the victory of Ireland. If the US win the match, they would easily qualify for the Super 8 as they would have six points.
However, if the match is washed out, both Ireland and the US would get one point each, still leading the latter to quality for the Super 8, which is also not beneficial for Pakistan.
Fortunately, the likelihood of a washout has decreased given the current weather conditions. The weather forecast is favourable, with only a 20% chance of rain during the game, although this probability will increase to 30% around noon.
The match is set to commence at 10:30am local time (7:30pm Pakistan Standard Time).
To ensure the match reaches a conclusive result, a minimum of five overs must be played in each innings. Moreover, the two teams will have an additional 90 minutes to account for any weather-related interruptions.
According to a Cricinfo report, Chances for cricket in Florida received a boost after a dry first half of Thursday.
After quite a few flights into Miami and Fort Lauderdale were cancelled on Wednesday, teams, production crews and commentators all made it into Fort Lauderdale on Thursday. While there were still delays in flights because of inclement weather en route, Fort Lauderdale itself had remained dry till late afternoon. The drizzle in the evening was expected to die down by night followed by forecast for some showers from 9am to 11am on Friday. Flash flood warnings for the larger area continued to remain intact.
However, the conditions at the ground were a cause for optimism. Mark Adair, the Ireland allrounder was impressed with what he saw. "I don't think there was too many people who came to leave the hotel, but no, at the ground today, it was actually remarkably dry," Adair said. "I think there's still wet patches over the far side of the ground but you know considering what the place has been through 24 hours before I think the place is looking pretty good."
The USA opening batter Steven Taylor, who comes from Florida, also said the drainage at the ground is good. "Growing up here at the stadium, it has always had a nice drainage," Taylor said. "So, we always hope that once the next day doesn't rain, there'll always be cricket. But we can't stop the weather. So, whatever happens, we just have to work with it."
Meantime, the Pakistan squad is set to play their final group match with Ireland’s team on Sunday, June 16, at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium. As the teams are struggling to gain a spot in the Super Eight stage, the final three matches of Group A will be hosted in Florida which has seen bad weather conditions, including flooding, this week.
The first Group A match is between Ireland and the US being played today. The second match is scheduled for June 15 between India and Canada with the last one to be played between Pakistan and Ireland on June 16.
If USA beat Ireland or get one point from the match, they will qualify.
After their defeat to USA and India earlier, Pakistan are left hoping no team goes past four points. For Pakistan to have a chance of going ahead, they need Ireland to beat USA and then beat Ireland on the Sunday.
If Ireland win both their games against USA and Pakistan, they will give themselves a chance but their net run rate is not looking very healthy.
Canada, who beat Ireland earlier, need USA to lose to Ireland for them to have a chance of progressing should they upset India on Saturday.