The United States (USA) pulled off a massive upset by beating Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over in the T20 World Cup 2024 match on Thursday at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The match was filled with twists and turns, culminating in a dramatic Super Over where the co-hosts emerged victorious. Despite their vast experience, Pakistan failed to capitalize on the opportunities given by the USA. With this win, the USA ascended to the top of the points table in Group A, overtaking India.
Pakistan’s Batting Struggles
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan had a nightmare start, scoring just 30 runs in the powerplay and losing the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Usman Khan. Skipper Babar Azam, at the other end, made a cautious start, absorbing the pressure. Babar and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan recover with a handy partnership of 72 runs for the fourth wicket off 8 overs.
Shadab Khan was the aggressor in the partnership, scoring 40 runs off 25 balls with four and three sixes. Babar Azam also upped the ante to finish on 44 off 23 deliveries. Just when it seemed that the duo would further accelerate, Nosthush Kenjige intervened for the USA. The left-arm spinner dismissed Shadab and sent back the out-of-form Azam Khan for a golden duck.
Kenjige was the pick of the bowlers for the USA, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-30-3. In the end, Shaheen Shah Afridi played some valuable shots, lifting Pakistan to a total of 159 for 7. Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India U19 cricketer, also troubled Babar’s men with a spell of 4-0-18-2. Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh chipped in with a wicket apiece.
USA's Steady Run Chase
USA made a promising start to their run-chase with Steven Taylor and Monank Patel putting together a partnership of 36 runs for the opening wicket off 5.1 overs. Naseem Shah provided Pakistan with the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Taylor, who scored 12 off 16 balls.
Skipper Monank Patel then took charge and reached his half-century off 34 balls. His partnership of 68 runs with Andries Gous made the USA the favorites to win. Gous raced to 35 off 26 balls with five fours and one six before Haris Rauf rattled his stumps. The duo ensured that the USA was always in touch with the required run rate.
Mohammad Amir then jolted the USA with a crucial blow by dismissing Monank Patel, who made 50 off 38 balls. With the required run rate hovering around 10, the onus was on Aaron Jones, the hero of the match against Canada, to guide the USA home.
The Thrilling Super Over
With 12 runs needed off the last over, Jones hit Rauf for a six over mid-wicket followed by a four, taking the match into a Super Over. Jones held his nerves to remain not out on 36 off 26 balls, showcasing his temperament once again.
In the Super Over, Mohammad Amir conceded 12 runs. He started by giving away a boundary to Jones, who cleared the third-man region easily. Jones then took a couple followed by a single as Amir tried to hit the block hole. Amir bowled a wide, allowing Jones to sneak in a bye. The USA set Pakistan a target of 19 in the Super Over.
Saurabh Netravalkar started the Super Over with a dot ball and gave away a four on the second delivery. Despite showing signs of nervousness by conceding a wide, Netravalkar made amends by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed. With 7 runs needed off the last ball, Shadab Khan could only manage a single, sealing the win for the USA.
Reflection and Moving Forward
The victory over Pakistan marks a historic moment for USA cricket, demonstrating their growing prowess in the international arena. This win also places them at the top of Group A, ahead of cricketing giants like India. On the other hand, Pakistan must go back to the drawing board and address their shortcomings before their next game against Rohit Sharma's India on June 9. The match underscored the unpredictability of T20 cricket, where every ball counts, and showcased the thrilling nature of the sport.
Inputs by agencies
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