Pakistan started the T20 World Cup 2024 in the worst way possible - a defeat to the USA. Then they went on to lose to India in heart-braeking fashion, with at one point a win almost looking locked in.
With crucial fixtures coming up, the Babar Azam-led side need to turn things around, quite instantly. But even two wins might not be enough for last year's runners-up.
Former champions Pakistan lost the inaugural game against USA in the Super Over. Chasing 19, Pakistan only scored 13 runs in one over, losing the game by 5 runs. The win over Pakistan has meant USA are now unbeaten in their opening two matches.
Then they failed to chase down 120 against India, losing by 6 runs.
The Asian giants won their first game of the T20 World Cup 2024 against Canada on Wednesday. With one win in three matches, Pakistan are in the periphery of the knockout places in Group A, in third place behind India and USA respectively.
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Can Pakistan qualify for the Super 8s stage of the T20 World Cup 2024?
Pakistan's Super 8s qualification hopes hang in thin air now, after they were handed heavy defeats in Dallas (USA) and New York (India). Despite the win against Canada, Super 8s seem in distant sight for the 2009 Champions.
The Babar Azam-led side will now have a mammoth task to climb up the points table to qualify for the knockouts. They are placed at third in the 'Group A' points table, behind India and USA.
Pakistan have a very slim chance of qualifying for the Super 8s, even if they beat Ireland in their final group-stage game. The Men in Green would need other results to go in their favour apart from hoping their own net run rate remains adove that of USA.
MORE: 'Terrible cricket' - Pakistan fielding slammed after overthrows and extras in Super Over loss to USA
Group A points table
| Rank | Team | W | L | T/NR | NRR | Pts. |
| 1 | India (Q) | 3 | 0 | 0 | +1.137 | 6 |
| 2 | USA | 2 | 1 | 0 | +0.127 | 4 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 1 | 2 | 0 | +0.191 | 2 |
| 4 | Canada | 1 | 2 | 0 | -0.473 | 0 |
| 5 | Ireland | 0 | 2 | 0 | -1.712 | 0 |
What is Pakistan's route for qualification to the Super 8s?
| Date | Opposition | Venue | Result required | Result Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 06 | USA | Dallas | Win | Loss |
| June 09 | India | New York | Win | Loss |
| June 11 | Canada | New York | Win | Win |
| June 16 | Ireland | Florida | Win | TBD |
How can Pakistan qualify for Super 8s? Only qualification scenario explained
Pakistan can get to a maximum of 4 points now, which India and USA have already achieved. With India set to take on Canada now, they will exceed that points tally.
If USA beat Ireland in their last group game, Pakistan will have no chance to qualify for the Super 8.
USA lost to India in the head-to-head on Wednesday. If any respite, Pakistan will have their fate in front of their eyes, before they take the field in Florida to face Ireland. USA face Ireland on June 14, while Pakistan face the European minnows, two days later, on June 16.
USA's NRR (+0.127) has taken a huge slump, as Pakistan now have a better NRR (+0.191). If Pakistan were to qualify for the Super 8s, they will definitely have a higher Net Run Rate than USA.
MORE: Shoaib Malik suggests Babar to bat lower after struggles against USA
What next for Pakistan?
After the win against Canada, Pakistan will make their final group-stage appearance at the T20 World Cup against Ireland. The match will be held in Lauderhill, Florida, on Sunday, June 16.
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