The United States has made it to the Super 8s of the T20 Cricket World Cup thanks to help from Mother Nature.
Officials called off Friday’s game between the U.S. and Ireland in Lauderhill, Florida, because of an unplayable field after multiple delays and ultimately a thunderstorm. That decision means that the Americans have earned a valuable point and will go out of Group A with six points.
Severe storms battered South Florida this week, prompting a state of emergency after more than two feet of rain fell in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Sarasota counties.
The result also knocks Pakistan out of the competition. Pakistan needed a loss to the US coupled with a win over Ireland in their final match on Sunday to have a chance of progressing.
The US will now face South Africa (June 19, North Sound, Antigua), West Indies (June 21, Bridgetown, Barbados) and Scotland or England (June 23, Bridgetown, Barbados) in the second round. The two best teams from that group advance to the semi-finals.
It has already been a historic first World Cup for the US, having won two official matches, including a huge upset over Pakistan last week. Despite losing to group leader India on Wednesday, the Americans were helped by the struggles of Pakistan, Canada and Ireland.
By advancing to the Super 8s, it guarantees that the US will qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Sri Lanka and India.
Group A Standings
*India 3-0 (6 points)
*USA 3-1 (6 pts.)
Pakistan 1-2 (2 pts.)
Canada 1-2 (2 pts.)
Ireland 0-3 (0 points)
*qualified for Super 8s
