US take on Ireland today

FORT LAUDERDALE (FLORIDA): The sun in port city of Lauderdale finally emerged out of clouds on Thursday morning, providing a ray of hope that the venue may go on to hold two important matches from Pakistan’s perspective in days to come.

Today (Friday) the US will take on Ireland in an important match followed by Pakistan’s last Group match against Ireland at the same venue on Sunday. Both the matches are of utmost importance for Pakistan’s progress to the next stage. Victory by Ireland against the US on Friday and by Pakistan on Sunday could see the Greenshirts going through to the next stage but that is only possible if there is no rain and thunderstorm on coming days.

The port city of Lauderdale has experienced heavy rains for the last few days. Flights got canceled to the city and outdoor activities were totally disturbed. The city government issued thunderstorm warnings on two separate occasions. The weather, however, got better early morning on Thursday with the sun coming out of clouds, making it possible for the dwellers to restart outdoor activities.

The stadium wore a soggy look with grounds-men still uncertain on starting the clearance work at the Central Broward Regional Park Lauderhill. The bad news for the cricket fans is that the forecast over the next three days is not all that encouraging. Rain is expected during the next three days.

The grim weather in Florida has been fueled by “Deep Tropical Moisture”. Although you never know about the next day when it comes to port city weather, the chances of the match especially for the one between the US and Ireland look bleak.

In case of a washout, the US will automatically qualify for the next stage at the expense of Pakistan. The last World Cup finalists have waited agonizingly for the weather to clear on Thursday to restart their training.

“Though the sun is out, we have not been able to get the green signal to start training near the Park which is going to host the final three matches of the US leg. We hope and pray that there will be a result, making it possible for Pakistan to have a final go at the venue,” one of the team officials, when contacted, said.

Once Ireland play the US, the fate of the Pakistan team will be clearer. The US loss could mean a new lease of life while the win means the end of the road for the Greenshirts. Following a desperate wait, It was decided late evening that the Pakistan cricket team will not hold a practice session on Thursday in Florida due to a wet outfield. However, the team will attend a light physical training session only.

“We were advised against using the outfield facilities because it is too wet and soggy. Though there has been no rain for the last few hours, the field is soggy. We hope to get outdoor training opportunities on Friday but that is only possible if there is no further rain,” the official said.