T20 World Cup 2024: USA Defeats Pakistan After Super Over

The USA defeated Pakistan, who played their first match today, by five runs after a thrilling Super Over in their second match of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas.

Pakistan was able to set a competitive target of 160 runs while batting first, however, the USA was able to catch up and level the score on their very last ball of the innings.

Both teams finished the match at 159 runs, which led to a thrilling super over to decide the winner.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir took the ball for the Super Over. The USA batted first and posted a formidable 18-1. However, Pakistan failed to keep up and managed only 13-1, which means the USA won the match by five-run victory.

The USA played cautiously throughout the match, with their captain Monank Patel scoring 50 runs before being dismissed by Mohammad Amir. The USA needed 21 runs from 12 balls when Amir bowled an excellent over, conceding only six runs. This left 15 runs to be scored in the final over.

Haris Rauf bowled the last over, but was hit for a six, leaving the USA needing six runs from two balls. On the last ball, with five runs needed, Nitish Kumar hit a four to tie the game. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi went wicketless, while Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf each took one wicket.

Earlier, the USA’s bowlers had a strong start, dismissing Pakistan’s top order for just 26 runs. Skipper Babar Azam and Shadab Khan then formed a 72-run partnership to stabilize Pakistan’s innings.

Shadab scored 40 runs, and Babar made 44 off 43 balls. Wickets fell quickly after Shadab’s dismissal, including Azam Khan with zero score. Iftikhar Ahmed added 18 runs, and Shaheen Afridi contributed 23 off 16 balls, helping Pakistan finish at 159-7.

This exciting win is a big achievement for the USA team in the T20 World Cup 2024, showing their growing skill in international cricket.