(Credit BCCI)
The practice session of the Indian men’s cricket team in Florida on June 14 had to be called off due to heavy rainfall. Team India was scheduled to play against Canada at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill this Saturday.
Rohit Sharma and his teammates have been performing exceptionally well in the 2024 T20 World Cup, securing victories in all their group stage matches. They defeated Ireland by eight wickets in their first game and Pakistan by six runs in a closely contested match. Their last game against the USA ended with a comfortable 7-wicket win at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
The weather forecast for the rest of the week predicts rain and thunderstorms, affecting the matches of India, Pakistan, Ireland, and Canada in Florida. The recent game between Sri Lanka and Nepal at Lauderhill was abandoned without any play due to rain, highlighting the challenging conditions.
Lauderhill, situated an hour north of Miami, is facing flooding issues, adding to the complications. With the situation not improving, Pakistan’s chances in the tournament seem dim.
In the tournament format, only two teams from each group progress to the next stage. To keep their hopes alive, Pakistan must win their remaining matches against Canada and Ireland and rely on favorable outcomes in other group matches to advance to the Super 8s.
Pakistan needs a convincing victory against Ireland and hopes that Ireland loses to the USA to have a shot at the Super Eight stage.
India has secured their spot in the next phase of the tournament and is set to face Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia on June 24.
Regardless of whether they top their group or finish second, India and Australia, determined by pre-tournament rankings, will be grouped together in the Super 8 stage.
Following India’s final group match against Canada, Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan will depart from the squad.
