Dallas: In a stunning upset, the United States cricket team defeated cricketing powerhouse Pakistan by a mere 5 runs in a dramatic super over at the T20 World Cup. Pakistan's fielding woes in the super-over proved costly, as they conceded three wides and crucially, one overthrow.
The match played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, went down to the wire, requiring a super over to decide the winner.
Pakistan batters struggle early
Pakistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, got off to a shaky start. The US bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige (3-30) and left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar (2-18), ripped through the top order, reducing them to a precarious 26-3 within the first five overs.
Babar Azam and Shadab Khan provide resurgence
A crucial 72-run partnership between captain Babar Azam (44) and Shadab Khan (40) steadied the Pakistani ship. However, their dismissals in quick succession put Pakistan back in a spot of bother.
Shaheen Shah Afridi's late surge
A late cameo from tailender Shaheen Shah Afridi (23* off 14) helped Pakistan reach a total of 159 for 7 wickets.
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US batsmen show grit, force super over
The foundation for the USA's victory over Pakistan was laid with a calculated batting display. The openers weathered the initial storm, putting on a cautious 36 runs in the first five overs before being separated.
However, the partnership between captain Monank Patel and Andries Gous proved to be the turning point. The duo combined for a crucial 68 runs in just 48 deliveries, forming the backbone of the chase. Patel, the aggressor in the partnership, smashed seven fours and a six en route to a well-made 50 off 38 balls. His dismissal, though timely for Pakistan, left the USA in a strong position with plenty of overs remaining.
Unlike past defeats where Pakistan squandered a lead, the USA remained in control for most of the match, making this loss even more stinging for the cricketing giants.
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Super over drama: US clinches victory
In the super over, the US set Pakistan a target of 19 runs. The Pakistani batsmen, under immense pressure, could only manage 13 runs, handing the US a historic victory.
Mohammad Amir, Pakistan's most experienced bowler, bowled three wides in his Super Over, the US batters stealing another run every time, and Mohammad Rizwan conceded another extra run on an overthrow off the last of these wides. Thanks to the extras and other acts of fielding indiscipline from Pakistan, the USA made 18 off their Super Over.
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This victory marked a monumental upset, leaving Pakistan reeling just before their highly anticipated clash against India.