Last Updated on 8 months by Charbel Coorey
The rain relented for a while in Lauderhill, but Pakistan’s T20 World Cup hopes were still washed away following the abandonment of the USA-Ireland match. The result means the USA qualify to the Super Eights stage with five points; a great moment in their cricketing journey.
Yes, the weather wasn’t kind to Pakistan in the end, but Babar Azam’s team should look inward before blaming any external factors for their elimination. Defeat first up to the USA – a game Pakistan were heavily favoured to win – has proved fatal.
As has the defeat to India, where they were in a glorious position to win.
This campaign has reflected a bit of a trend with Pakistan in recent World Cups. They often start poorly and need to catch up, usually relying on other results to go their way if they are to progress. It was the case in the 2019 ODI World Cup (missed the semi-finals), 2022 T20 World Cup (SA vs ZIM washout and Netherlands beating South Africa opened the door), 2023 ODI World Cup (missed the semi-finals) and now here at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
What this means for the team remains to be seen. Which players will they persist with, and who will they bring in? Those are questions the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to get right with a home Champions Trophy campaign beckoning.
Reactions: Pakistan knocked out from the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage
Group A looked to be one of the more straightforward ones on paper. India and Pakistan stood out like a sore thumb when it came to experience. Ireland, USA and Canada certainly have their strengths, but the two Asian giants were widely expected to qualify.
“At this rate, does Pakistan deserve to make it ahead in the tournament?” tweeted legend Wasim Akram back on June 10. Truth be told, their cricket hasn’t been good enough.
Former Pakistan batsman Ahmad Shahzad minced no words when it came to Pakistan’s campaign.
“The deserving team is through to Super 8 round. If you’re depending on Ireland to defeat someone, you seriously don’t deserve to qualify. Don’t think even “Kudrat Ka Nizam” works for those who are not deserving or ready to improve. All eyes on PCB chairman now!” he tweeted.
Here are some of the reactions from fans, pundits and former players on Pakistan getting knocked out from the World Cup at the group stage.
