T20IWC : USA stun Pak in a super over thriller & scripts massive upset

 


The United States (USA) achieved a stunning upset by defeating Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024 match on Thursday at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. The game was filled with twists and turns and concluded in a Super Over where the co-hosts emerged victorious. Despite their extensive experience, Pakistan failed to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the USA and kept shelling catches . With this victory, the USA climbed to the top of the Group A points table, overtaking India.


After being asked to bat first, Pakistan experienced a disastrous start, scoring just 30 runs in the powerplay and losing the wickets of Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, and Usman Khan. Skipper Babar Azam started cautiously, absorbing the pressure. He and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan recover with a valuable 72-run partnership for the fourth wicket in 8 overs.


Shadab played the aggressor, scoring 40 runs off 25 balls with a four and three sixes. Babar also picked up the pace, finishing with 44 off 23 deliveries. Just as it seemed the pair would accelerate further, Nosthush Kenjige turned the game in favor of the USA. The left-arm spinner dismissed Shadab and then sent back the out-of-form Azam Khan for a golden duck.


Kenjige was the standout bowler for the USA, finishing with impressive figures of 4-0-30-3. In the end, Shaheen Shah Afridi added some late runs, lifting Pakistan to 159 for 7. Saurabh Netravalkar, a former India U19 cricketer, also troubled Pakistan with a spell of 4-0-18-2. Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh each took a wicket.


USA made a promising start to their chase, with Steven Taylor and Monank Patel putting together a 36-run partnership for the opening wicket in 5.1 overs. Naseem Shah provided Pakistan with a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Taylor, who scored 12 off 16 balls.


From there, skipper Monank Patel took charge, reaching his half-century off 34 balls. His 68-run partnership with Andries Gous put the USA in a strong position. Gous scored 35 off 26 balls with 5 fours and 1 six before Haris Rauf bowled him. The duo ensured the USA stayed in touch with the required run rate.


Mohammad Amir dealt a significant blow to the USA by dismissing Monank, who scored 50 off 38. With the required run rate hovering around 10, the pressure fell on Aaron Jones, the hero of the match against Canada, to lead the USA to victory.


Needing 12 runs off the last over, Jones hit Rauf for a six over mid-wicket and followed it with a four, taking the match into a Super Over. Jones remained not out on 36 off 26, showcasing his temperament once again.


In the Super Over, Amir conceded 12 runs, starting with a boundary to Jones, who cleared the third-man region easily. Jones then took a couple, a single, and capitalized on a wide ball to sneak in a bye. The USA set Pakistan a target of 19 runs.


Netravalkar began with a dot ball and conceded a four on the second. He appeared nervous after delivering a wide but redeemed himself by dismissing Iftikhar Ahmed. With 7 runs needed off the last ball, Shadab could only manage a single.


Pakistan will need to reassess their strategies before their next game against Rohit Sharma's India on June 9.

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