'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUG/8QAFAEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA//aAAwDAQACEAMQAAAAz88Af//EACQQAAADBQkAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBSEiBhETFBY0NXPT/9oACAEBAAE/AINbl7yZ0gekSmTSE/GXyAO9tRxU9eM41T2ZvVv/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQID/9oACAECAQE/AFpR/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQD/2gAIAQMBAT8AG//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Group A of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which includes co-hosts United States of America (USA), is heading to an interesting conclusion with several factors contributing towards the end result. The final round of matches kickstarts with the the USA taking on Ireland in Florida on Friday, June 14.
The group could be decided as early as Friday itself, if the USA manages to secure a win or if the match is washed out due to rain. If either of the two aforementioned situations takes place, then it knocks Pakistan out of the competition.
With flood warnings and relentless rainfall in Florida, it puts a lot of doubt on the remaining matches of Group A, all of which are scheduled to be held in Lauderhill. The fixtures - India vs Canada and Pakistan vs Ireland are slated to take place during the weekend.
Due to the inclement weather, the prospect of a washout in the upcoming contest must be seriously considered. The match between Nepal and Sri Lanka in Florida was already abandoned due to rain, and despite the bleak conditions, the ICC are unlikely to shift venues.
The USA and Ireland will be awarded a point apiece if the match is abandoned due to rain. Such a result takes the USA's point tally to five, which is out of Pakistan's reach, making their result against Ireland irrelevant as the co-hosts will be the second team from Group A to qualify.
This will also give Ireland their first point in the tournament as they have only manage to record losses against India and Canada in the group stage. However, they will remain at fifth place, with Canada having two points in fourth place.
India and Pakistan will also retain their places in the points table at first and third place respectively if the USA vs Ireland match is washed out. There will be no changes in the net-run rate throughout the table as well.
"It'll be a dream come true to go to the next round" - USA's Steven Taylor on 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8
Based on the quality of cricket played so far, the USA enter the contest as firm favorites. They were able to defeat Pakistan and Canada, and give India a mighty scare as well recently.
'It's something that we've all been thinking about after beating Pakistan. It'll be a dream come true to go to the next round. Especially the Super Eight would be the first time it's happened as well. But at the end of the day, it's close. Until the next World Cup event is, we're [going] all out," USA batter Steven Taylor said ahead of the Ireland contest.
The USA could have their skipper Monank Patel back in the playing XI for the upcoming fixture. The batter had missed out on the clash against India due to a niggle.
