The key Group A T20 World Cup 2024 match between United States of America and Ireland, held at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill on Friday, was washed out due to rain.
And the wait ends, though not in the way most cricket fans would have wanted. The match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled as the rains returned during the last inspection. USA qualifies for Super Eight while Pakistan, Ireland and Canada are knocked out.
The umpires are still not satisfied with the conditions and we will have another inspection at 10.45 PM IST. No rain at the venue though.
We are less than 10 minutes away from the next inspection and the good news is that the rain has held off and there is a mix of sun and clouds. The chance of rain has also dropped.
The ICC says the latest a five-over match can start is by 11:46 PM IST (2:16 PM local time).
At this point, it is very unlikely that we will have a game. But there is going to be another inspection at 10 PM IST.
Still no update on when play could begin. The next inspection is scheduled for 9:00 PM IST.
There will be an inspection at 8:00 PM IST. The covers are still off and the sun is out. But to what extent the outfield has dried will likely determine whether we will have a game or not anytime soon.
The toss has been delayed due to rain. But it is not currently raining. The covers are off but the puddles in the outfield are a cause for concern.
The chance of rain has reduced to 70 per cent, with thunderstorms expected in the afternoon. Pakistan and Ireland will continue to pray for the clouds to clear.
With less than two hours to go for the match, the chance of rain in Broward County, Florida has increased to 100 per cent.
Broward County, situated in the southeastern part of Florida, witnessed severe flooding due to heavy rainfall over the past two days. The forecast for Friday remains grim, with a 70 per cent chance of rain.
The National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Centre says, “There is a High Risk of Excessive Rainfall leading to Flash Flooding over parts of southern Florida for tonight.”
Morever, the Nepal versus Sri Lanka at this venue was also abandoned without a ball bowled on June 12.
In case the contest between USA and Ireland meets a similar fate on Friday, it will spell doom for Ireland and Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaigns.
A washout will also mean USA will confirm its progression to the Super Eight as its tally will swell to five points. Even if Ireland and Pakistan win their last Group Stage match, they will only be able to take their points tally to three and four, respectively.
India has already qualified as the top team from Group A after winning its first three matches in the tournament.
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