— Pakistan still has a slim chance to qualify after the USA loses to Men in Blue
— India-Australia faceoff set for June 24 in a Super Eight match
— Nassau County stadium to be dismantled in six weeks, claim reports
— Economy surged in Nassau County; looking for more such events in the future
New York: After a nail-biting win against arch-rival Pakistan, and defeating the USA — despite losing both the star openers in quick succession to Indian-origin sensation Saurabh Netravalkar — Men in Blue have comfortably entered the Super Eight contest where they are slated to meet Australia on June 24 (due to the ICC's pre-seeding rules).
Netravalkar shocked India with early wickets -- Virat Kohli got out nicking behind for a golden duck while Rohit Sharma was caught by Harmeet Singh for three. The left-arm seamer left both senior India batters bamboozled in the first three overs of the match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
Before they lost to India, the USA cricket team became the first side to be penalized under the new stop-clock regulations, aimed to speed up the pace of play in T20 international cricket. The USA were pulled up for not starting the next over in time and as a result, their opponents India were awarded extra runs.
The regulation, which became a permanent feature in men’s ODIs and T20Is from June 1, stipulates that the fielding side must begin the next over within 60 seconds of the previous one ending. If they fail to do so three times in an innings, a five-run penalty is imposed and runs are awarded to their opponent.
India capitalized on the penalty and went on to win the match by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare, thanks to crucial contributions from their middle-order batsmen. The victory ensured India's place in the Super Eights with three wins in three games, showcasing their dominance in the tournament.
The USA are now faced with a must-win situation in their final group match against Ireland. A win or no result would see them through to the Super Eights, but a loss could leave their qualification hopes hinging on net run rate. On the other hand, Pakistan still have a slim chance to make it to the Super Eight, after a seven-wicket win over Canada.
Two defeats in successive matches against the USA and India had left Pakistan teetering on the brink in Group A with three teams above them in the race for Super 8 qualification. By beating Canada, they have now raised some hopes of qualifying if other results go in their favor.
Firstly, Pakistan would want the USA to lose their last game against Ireland on Friday. If the game is washed out, then the USA will move to 5 points and that will be enough to end Pakistan's chances of reaching the Super Eight. Heavy rains have been hammering down in Lauderhill over the last few days and the forecast for Friday and the weekend did not look great either.
If the weather shows mercy, then Pakistan need Ireland to beat the USA. Then, Pakistan have to beat Ireland on June 16 to go through to the Super Eight. The Net Run Rate will not come into play as the USA, with a loss to Ireland, will not be able to go past Pakistan. Another scenario: If Pakistan's game on June 16 is washed out, Babar Azam's men will be eliminated even if the USA lose to Ireland.
Meanwhile, the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium may be disassembled in almost six weeks, according to reports. The venue that played host to eight matches of the T20 World Cup, and helped the local economy surge, will be returned to its original state with free public access to its grassy surface.
The makeshift stadium was constructed at a rapid speed of just 106 days with drop-in pitches prepared in Florida after getting shipped from Adelaide, Australia in December last year. The fate of the pitches is still uncertain with the International Cricket Council (ICC) leaving it to Nassau County authorities to take the call on its future.
