In a dramatic turn of events, the USA advanced to the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup on Friday after their match against Ireland was abandoned due to persistent rain. This outcome resulted in the elimination of former champions Pakistan.

Despite hours of effort by the ground staff to dry the wet outfield at Lauderhill, a heavy downpour after the umpires’ inspection left the field submerged once again.

This marks the USA’s debut appearance in the T20 World Cup, highlighted by their surprising victory over 2009 champions Pakistan. For Pakistan, the early exit is a bitter disappointment, especially since they were finalists in the last tournament.

Fans at Central Broward Stadium were instructed to seek shelter due to thunder and lightning accompanying the torrential rain.

Both teams received one point from the abandoned match, allowing the USA to progress to the Super Eights along with Group A winners India, who will play Canada on Saturday in a match that no longer affects the qualification.

South Florida has faced heavy rain and flooding, with a previous game between Sri Lanka and Nepal also abandoned earlier in the week. Despite the ground staff’s best efforts, the heavy showers on Friday morning rendered the outfield unplayable.