A low-pressure system in the tropics has triggered an uncommon flash flood crisis across a significant portion of Florida, which threatens to wash out the three Group A matches of the
T20 World Cup
later this week.
The impact of a possible hat-trick of washed-out games will be significant on who joins India from Group A to progress to the 'Super 8s' stage of the tournament being co-hosted by USA and the Caribbean islands.
T20 WORLD CUP: Schedule | Points Table
Top two teams from each of the four groups advance to the next stage of ICC's showpiece T20 event.
The Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, is one of the three stadiums in the US hosting some of the group-stage matches of the T20 World Cup.
In the unfortunate event of all three matches producing no result, USA will benefit significantly as it will mean that the co-hosts make a historic entry to 'Super 8s' in their tournament debut while the 2009 champions
Pakistan
take the next flight back home.
As things stand currently in Group A, Pakistan desperately want the games to produce a result as their progression in the tournament not just depends on a win against Ireland on June 16 but also on a favourable result in the
USA vs Ireland
match on June 14.
The current position of the teams in Group A is as follows:
1. India - 3 matches, 6 points (NRR +1.137) - Qualified for 'Super 8s'
2. USA - 3 matches, 4 points, (NRR +0.127)
3. Pakistan - 3 matches, 2 points (NRR +0.191)
4. Canada - 3 matches, 2 points (NRR -0.493)
5. Ireland - 2 matches, 0 point (NRR -1.712)
There are three matches left to be played in Group A, all in Florida:
- USA vs Ireland (June 14)
- India vs Canada (June 15)
-
Pakistan vs Ireland
(June 16)
Based on the above standings and fixtures, a washout in the match between the US and Irish team will mean that USA go to five points, which will take them through to the 'Super 8s', along with India, while the other three teams pack their bags. That will also leave Pakistan's match against Ireland inconsequential.
However, if weather allows a result in the USA vs Ireland game, then Pakistan would want Ireland to beat USA. It will then mean that Pakistan will just have to beat Ireland to go through to the 'Super 8s'. If USA beat Ireland, they go through.
But Florida weather may have the last laugh, as the forecast suggests.
Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood mayors announced a state of emergency for their respective cities on Wednesday. However, the National Hurricane Centre reported that the disturbance has not yet attained cyclone status.
“Regardless of development, heavy rainfall is forecast to continue across portions of the Florida peninsula during the next few days,” the National Hurricane Centre had posted on its website on Wednesday.
The Miami weather service office released alarming forecasts and advisories regarding the approaching storm.
“Life-threatening flooding is now ongoing. Please stay off the roadways and get to higher ground," the service posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter).
English (US) ·