Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign concluded on a disappointing note on Friday as the team failed to advance to the Super 8 stage of the tournament. Pakistan’s elimination occurred after the United States of America’s match against Ireland was abandoned due to rain, granting USA the point they needed to progress to the Super 8 in their debut appearance.
Following Pakistan’s unexpected exit, former pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his dismay over the outcome. Taking to X, Akhtar posted a succinct comment: “Pakistan’s World Cup journey is over.”
Pakistan's World Cup journey is over.
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 14, 2024
Pakistan had hoped for an Ireland victory over USA before their final group-stage match against Ireland. However, the drawn result meant Pakistan could only achieve four points, while USA finished their group league campaign with five points from four games, advancing along with India from Group A.
Pakistan faced a narrow defeat against India in New York, failing to chase a target of 120, followed by a shocking Super Over loss to USA in their opening match in Dallas. These consecutive losses had already diminished Pakistan’s chances of progressing to the Super 8, relying once again on other match outcomes.
Unfortunately, heavy rain and flooding in Fort Lauderdale in recent days dashed Pakistan’s remaining hopes of advancing in the tournament.
USA made a strong start to the competition with a significant win over Canada, nearly chasing down a target of 200 runs. They then caused a major upset by defeating Pakistan in one of the T20 World Cup’s memorable matches and gave tough competition to formidable contenders India. USA’s rise in the tournament was boosted by their morale-boosting T20I series victory against Bangladesh just before the World Cup.
Notably, the USA team includes eight cricketers of Indian descent, most on temporary H1-B visas, working to revive cricket in the country 180 years after hosting the first-ever international cricket match between USA and Canada at St George’s Cricket Club in New York in 1844, preceding England and Australia’s first Test match by 33 years.
USA’s progression to the next round also secured their spot in the group stage of the 2026 edition of the T20 World Cup.
