The sunshine state hasn’t seen much sun lately as the greater Miami area finds itself swamped with as much as 10-12 inches of rain in certain neighbourhoods. Several visuals of waterlogged houses and submerged cars on the streets of south Florida did the rounds on social media. While those visuals may foster US fans to morbidly hope for the game to wash out, it leaves Pakistan on a precipice. The equation is quite clear, a USA win or a wash out takes USA to the super 8 stage. Whereas a loss would leave USA at the mercy of the outcome of the Pakistan and Ireland game. In a game where Pakistan stands to afford nothing less than a win.
However, USA have shown that if they press on with the fervour with which they have played their cricket in the past 3 months, a washout may be after all be superfluous. The manner in which USA kept India on the leash for the majority of the run chase on Wednesday speaks volumes of the force they are turning out to be. USA look firm favourites over a beleaguered Ireland, languishing at the bottom of the table after a thrashing by India and a shock loss against Canada.
The two nations squared off against each other at the same venue in December 2021 and shared the honours one all in a 2 match T20I series. USA sent shockwaves with a 26 run win over full members Ireland in more than 2 years back, the fact that they now start as favourites is a sporting fairytale that has engripped the cricketing world.
When:14 June 2024 | 10.30 AM local time | 14:30 GMT (June 14) | 8 PM IST (June 14)
Where: Central Broward Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
What to expect: The track in Fort Lauderdale has been a batsman’s paradise in its short international history. However, it will be under covers for more than 72 hours leading up to the game. Expect a soft and damp surface for the game in addition to overcast conditions, in what is rapidly turning out to be a bowlers’ world cup.
Team watch:
USA:
After dropping Nostush Kenjige from the eleven, USA employed only pace men to deliver all of their 18.2 overs against India, deciding against introducing Harmeet in the India game. With the conditions at hand expect USA to go with the same attack in this crunch game. There hasn’t been any word from the team management over captain Monank Patel’s availability.
Probable XI: Monank Patel (captain) (wk), Steven Taylor, Andries Gous, Aaron Jones (vice captain), Corey Anderson, Nitish Kumar, Jasdeep Singh, Harmeet Singh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
Ireland:
Andrew Balbirnie, Ireland’s man for all seasons has endured a torrid run in his last 5 outings for Ireland. Not someone to be kept quiet for long, Balbirnie would be itching to make a mark at the world stage especially after his match winning 77 against Pakistan in May.
Probable XI: Paul Stirling (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Benjamin White, Josh Little, Mark Adair, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy
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