Super Eight: Fate of greenshirts still hangs in balance

LONG ISLAND, NY: India have checked into the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup, leaving it to the USA and Pakistan to battle it out for the second spot from Group A.

Though Pakistan’s hopes of making it to the next stage are still alive, nothing is in their reach now. Following Sunday’s defeat against India, Pakistan have left it to the fate and decision of other matches to know whether they have any chances of making it to the next stage. Now the match on Friday between the USA and Ireland at Lauderhill (Florida) holds all the importance. In case USA loses, Pakistan hopes would come alive while any other result in that particular match means curtains for the greenshirts.

Rain is already threatening to spoil the party at Lauderhill as the forecast is not at all encouraging from Pakistan’s perspective.

In case of the US’s loss against Ireland, Pakistan would be well aware of their run-rate requirements for their last match against Ireland scheduled for June 16. On Wednesday at the Nassau County Stadium, India made short work of the US, beating the host nation by seven wickets with Arshdeep Singh (4-9) earning Man of the Match in a low scoring outing. India were set to chase 111 for win which they managed, following early hiccup. Suryakumar Yadav struck a chancy 50 not out to ensure India reach home in 18.3 overs.