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West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has weighed in on the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, expressing his views on which team between Pakistan and the United States of America (USA) has a better chance of qualifying for the Super 8 stage.
Pakistan’s rollercoaster journey
Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, have had a tumultuous journey in the group stage of the tournament. After losing two out of their three games, Pakistan’s hopes of advancing now rest on the outcomes of other matches. In their opening game, Pakistan faced the USA and suffered a shocking defeat in a super over.
Their second game brought further disappointment as they failed to chase down a modest 120-run target set by arch-rivals India in New York on June 9. However, they revived their chances with a victory over Canada on June 11. The Men in Green are now set to take on Ireland on June 16 in their final group-stage match, needing not only to win but also to rely on other results going in their favour. Pakistan are third in the Group A points table.
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USA’s impressive debut
Making their debut in the T20 World Cup, the USA have surprised many with their remarkable performances. They kicked off their campaign by defeating Canada, followed by an upset victory over Pakistan, one of the tournament’s favorites.
Despite a hard-fought loss to India, where they made it difficult for the Men in Blue to secure a win, the USA remains in a strong position. They are currently second in Group A and will face Ireland in their final group match. A win in this game would secure their place in the Super 8.
Brian Lara’s take on the Super 8 qualification scenarios
Reacting to the complex qualification scenarios, Lara, speaking to Star Sports, commented that while Pakistan still has a mathematical chance to qualify, he believed the USA have the upper hand. Lara emphasized the confidence and momentum the USA has gained, which could be crucial in their bid to reach the Super 8 stage.
“Of course, mathematically they (Pakistan) have a chance. I think the USA just got to take care of a win in their last game; they do that, and they qualify. But we’re hoping that they get to win plus the USA lose their game. So my money is on the USA. I think they’re full of confidence and they would want to make it to the Super 8. That will be so huge, historic for US cricket,” Lara said.
