Former West Indies captain Brian Lara wants the USA to join India in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 instead of Pakistan.
Keeping their hopes alive in the Super 8 race, Babar Azam's Pakistan revitalised their campaign in Group A by defeating Canada on Tuesday.
The Men in Green outclassed Canada by seven wickets to secure their first win in the competition. Despite Pakistan having an outside chance of progressing to the Super 8 alongside India, Lara has predicted an early exit for Pakistan m Group A.
Speaking to Star Sports, he admitted that Pakistan have a chance to enter the business end of the competition. However, Lara is backing the USA to join India in the Super 8 from Group A.
“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.
Remember, India favoured Pakistan after they defeated the USA by seven wickets in their Group A encounter in New York
Pakistan are now ahead of the USA on net run rate, having suffered two defeats and secured a solitary win. Pakistan can maintain their NRR lead over the USA with a victory against Ireland.
If Ireland beat the USA and Pakistan win their final Group A match, Babar and his team will advance to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. Co-hosts USA need at least a point against Ireland. If Pakistan drop a point, the USA will enter the Super 8 stage.
Lauderhill will host both matches and if either game is washed out, the USA will secure their place in the Super 8.
