How can Pakistan still qualify for Super 8 now?

Pakistan’s hopes of advancing to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 are hanging by a thread following consecutive defeats. The Men in Green now find themselves in a precarious position, needing not only victories in their next two matches but also favorable outcomes in other group games to progress.

Critics often highlight Pakistan’s tendency to find themselves in such nerve-wracking scenarios in ICC tournaments, where their fate is influenced by the performance of other teams.

Group A Standings and Challenges

Group A of the mega tournament comprises five teams: Pakistan, India, the US, Canada, and Ireland. Only two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage. Currently, Pakistan is at the bottom of the table with zero points, having lost both of their previous matches — against the US and India. In contrast, India and the US lead the group with four points each from two victories.

To keep their tournament hopes alive, Pakistan must win their next two matches against Ireland and Canada. However, even with these victories, they need the US to lose their upcoming matches against India and Ireland. Moreover, Pakistan would still have to surpass the US on net run rate (NRR) to secure a spot in the Super Eight.

If the US secures just one more win, Pakistan’s chances of advancing will be extinguished regardless of NRR.

Heartbreaking Losses

Both defeats for Pakistan in the World Cup have been nail-bitingly close. Their first match against the US ended in a thrilling Super Over, while the second match against arch-rivals India saw them fall just six runs short after restricting India to a modest 119.

In the match against India, held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance, limiting the Men in Blue to 119 after winning the toss. Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar spell of 3-14 in four overs proved decisive, as Pakistan’s batting lineup could only muster 113-7, leaving them agonizingly close to victory.

Earlier, in the match against the US at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, the game went down to a Super Over after both teams ended in a tie. Mohammad Amir bowled first in the Super Over, with the US scoring 18-1. Pakistan’s response fell short, managing only 13-1, leading to a five-run defeat in the Super Over.