'My money is on the USA': Lara backs co-hosts over Pak for Super 8

NEW DELHI: West Indies cricketing icon

Brian Lara

expressed his unwavering support for co-hosts USA, rather than

Pakistan

, to progress through to the Super 8 stage of the ongoing

T20 World Cup

.
The legendary batsman, renowned for his unparalleled prowess and illustrious career, unequivocally endorsed the American team's prospects of advancing further in the competition, while seemingly dismissing Pakistan's chances of making it to the next round.

Lara acknowledged that Pakistan still have a realistic chance to progress to the latter stages of the tournament. Despite this, he believes that the USA will accompany India in advancing from Group A to the Super 8 round.
"Of course mathematically they (Pakistan) have a chance. I think the USA just got to take care of a win in their last game, they do that and they qualify. But we’re hoping that they get to win plus the USA lose their game. So my money is on the USA, I think they’re full of confidence and they would want to make it to the Super 8 that will be so huge, historic for US cricket," Lara said while speaking on Star Sports
The former world champions Pakistan had a dismal start to their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign as they were handed defeat at the hands of the USA in their opening encounter in Dallas.

Following the humiliating Super-Over loss to the USA, Pakistan lost to arch-rivals India in the blockbuster clash in New York.
Team India currently leads the Group A with six points followed by USA with four points and Pakistan are placed third in standings as the 2022 runners-up are struggling to find their way to next round and stare at the Group stage exit.
At the moment, Pakistan hold an advantage over the USA in terms of net run rate (NRR), despite suffering two losses and securing only one victory.
By defeating Ireland, Pakistan can maintain its NRR lead over the USA. If

Ireland

emerge victorious against the USA and Pakistan register a win in their concluding Group A match, Babar and Co. will enter the Super 8 phase of the T20 World Cup.
For the co-hosts USA to progress, they require at least a point against Ireland.
Should Pakistan falter and lose a point, the USA will secure their place in the Super 8 phase.
Both matches are scheduled to take place in

Lauderhill

, and in the event of a washout in either game, the USA will automatically qualify for the Super 8 stage.