USA has stunned Pakistan when no one least expected, in ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The team consisting of mostly part-time cricketers could beat full-time professionals in a world cup. Pakistan has been very vulnerable in World Cups and once again, they lost to an associate team living up to their reputation of being unpredictable to the core.
Going into the details, USA won the toss and elected to field first. Pakistan lost Mohammad Rizwan(9), Usman Khan(3), Fakhar Zaman(11) within the powerplay. Captain Babar Azam struggled to score and Shadab Khan tried to give momentum by scoring 40 runs from 25 balls. At a crucial juncture, Babar Azam got out after scoring 44 runs from 43 balls. He tried to accelerate but fell for a Jasdeep Singh straight one.
Pakistan did not get a huge finish but Shaheen Shah Afridi scored 23 runs and Iftikhar Ahmed scored 18 runs to take their score to 159/7 in 20 overs. Saurabh Netravalkar(2/18) turned out to be pick of the bowlers. Nosthush Kenjige(3/30) took most wickets for USA. In the chase, Captain Monank Patel showcased his class in hitting 50 runs from 38 balls.
Andries Gous(35) built on the momentum and Aaron Jones(36), Nitish Kumar(14) took them to 159/3 in 20 overs with some brilliant temperament. Mohammad Amir tried to control the innings at the death but USA batters did not let him rein. Pakistan bowlers tried their best but their fielders gave away overthrows and dropped catches to give opponent chances.
In the super over, Mohammad Amir turned out to be erratic with left and right hand combination. Out of 18 runs scored by USA, 7 runs are extras. Pakistan needed to win by scoring 19 runs to win the match. Saurabh Netravalkar expertly controlled their aggression and restricted them to 13/1. USA stunned Pakistan after beating Canada and improved their chances to reach Super 8 from their Group with this win.