USA Stuns Pakistan in Thrilling Super Over at T20 World Cup 2024

Dallas, The Gulf Observer: In a thrilling match that kept cricket fans on the edge of their seats, the United States triumphed over Pakistan in a super over. This was the U.S.’s second match in the ICC T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 and Pakistan’s first. The co-hosts had earlier secured a victory against Canada in the tournament’s opening match.

Chasing a modest 160-run target, the USA lost opener Steven Taylor for 12 in the sixth over. However, captain Monank Patel and Andries Gous anchored their side’s chase with a crucial 68-run partnership. Despite setbacks, newcomers Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar fought valiantly, leveling the score with a final-ball boundary.

Haris Rauf bowled out Andries Gous for 35 off 26 balls, while Mohammad Amir caught US captain Monank Patel at the start of the 15th over with the score at 111-3. Patel led his side with a crucial half-century in just 38 deliveries. At the end of the first innings, Pakistan had posted 159-7 on the board. All-rounder Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed a vital 23 off 16 balls in the final overs after Shadab Khan’s counterattack was cut short by the US spin attack for 40 off 25.

Captain Babar Azam attempted to stabilize the innings with a series of boundaries but was eventually dismissed for 44 off 43 balls by the US seamers. Mohammad Rizwan fell early to Saurabh Netravalkar, caught by Steven Taylor in the slips, while Usman Khan was caught by Nitish Kumar off Nosthush Kenjige’s bowling. Fakhar Zaman followed with a mistimed shot, adding to Pakistan’s struggles.

The USA won the toss and chose to field first in the T20 World Cup match at Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium. The co-hosts, coming off a victory against arch-rivals Canada, faced Pakistan in their opening Group A encounter.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the USA team, showcasing their growing prowess in international cricket and setting a high bar for the rest of the tournament.