LAUDERHILL, Fla. — Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 journey ended prematurely in the first round after inclement weather in Lauderhill forced a points split between Ireland and the United States. This result allowed the host nation to advance to the Super Eight stage alongside India from Group A, while also securing their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s tournament was marred by setbacks and unfulfilled potential. They arrived in the United States without any scheduled warm-up games, and most of their practice sessions were canceled due to persistent rain. The lack of preparation showed as they narrowly lost to the United States in a Super Over during their opening match. In their subsequent game against India, Pakistan fell short by six runs while chasing a modest target of 120.
With their fate hanging in the balance, Pakistan’s hopes rested on the outcome of the match between the United States and Ireland. An Irish victory would have kept Pakistan in contention, but the rain-induced washout resulted in shared points, giving the United States an insurmountable lead in the group standings and confirming Pakistan’s exit.
Pakistan’s only victory in the tournament was a seven-wicket win over Canada. They still have one remaining match against Ireland, who were also eliminated as a result of the washout. Despite their early exit, Pakistan will not have to play qualifiers for the next T20 World Cup, as their current T20I ranking of seventh ensures their spot in the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Pakistan’s earliest exit from a T20 World Cup, having been eliminated after just three matches. The team previously faced group-stage exits in 2014 and 2016 but reached at least the semi-finals in other editions. Pakistan, along with England, holds the record for the most final appearances, and they won the title in 2009.
