The United States secured a historic triumph over Pakistan after a nerve-wracking super over in the 11th match of the T20 World Cup 2024, held at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas. This victory marked a significant milestone for the USA cricket team in their developing journey on the global stage.
Chasing a target of 160, the USA started their innings with Steven Taylor and Monank Patel opening the batting. Taylor contributed a modest 12 runs off 16 balls, including one boundary, but it was Patel who shone brightly. Patel’s knock of 50 runs from 38 deliveries, featuring seven fours and one six, was pivotal in building a firm foundation for the US side.
The opening partnership produced 36 runs before Naseem Shah made the first breakthrough, dismissing Taylor in the sixth over. However, Monank Patel continued to steady the ship alongside Andries Gous. The duo constructed a solid 68-run partnership, further solidifying the USA’s position in the match.
Pakistan’s Haris Rauf broke this partnership in the 14th over by removing Gous, who had contributed a valuable 35 runs off 26 balls, featuring five boundaries and one six. The USA’s momentum wavered slightly after losing their second wicket. The situation worsened when Mohammad Amir dismissed the formidable Monank Patel in the 15th over, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.
With three wickets gone, the USA needed a steady hand to steer them towards the target. Aaron Jones stepped up with an unbeaten 36 runs off 26 balls, highlighted by two fours and two sixes. Nitish Kumar provided notable support with 14 runs from 14 balls, including a crucial boundary.
The game reached its zenith in the final over, with the USA requiring 15 runs to win. Haris Rauf, tasked with bowling the decisive over for Pakistan, faced intense pressure. On the third ball of the over, Jones struck a crucial six, bringing down the target. In a nail-biting climax, Nitish Kumar hit a four over mid-off, pushing the match into a dramatic super over after Pakistan failed to maintain their composure under pressure.
Pakistan’s bowling unit, initially potent, struggled as they couldn’t take early wickets and faltered in the second innings. Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf were the only bowlers who made breakthroughs.
The super over began with the USA batting first. Jones and Harmeet Singh took to the crease, facing Mohammad Amir. Jones made an immediate impact, hitting a four on Amir’s first delivery. Amir’s over was marred by three extras, allowing the USA to set a challenging target of 19 runs for Pakistan.
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In pursuit of the target, Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed opened for Pakistan. Saurabh Netravalkar led the USA’s bowling attack. While Iftikhar managed a four on the second ball, an attempt for a six on Netravalkar’s fourth delivery resulted in his dismissal, caught by Milind Kumar due to insufficient power behind the hit. Shadab Khan replaced Iftikhar as Pakistan’s last hope.
With seven runs needed from the final ball, the USA’s dominance was undeniable. The USA’s concerted effort and discipline culminated in a thrilling six-run victory in the super over, showcasing their capability to compete at the highest level.
Reviewing the first innings, after opting to bowl first, the USA’s bowlers gave Pakistan a challenging start. Though Mohammad Rizwan hit a six in the initial overs, Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed him for nine runs in eight balls, thanks to Steven Taylor’s sharp catch at slips.
Nosthush Kenjige then took the wicket of Usman Khan, with Nitish Kumar making an outstanding catch. Pakistan was reduced to 14/2 within 2.3 overs. Fakhar Zaman hit a six on his first ball but was quickly dismissed by Ali Khan after scoring 11 runs, with Taylor again making a remarkable catch.
At the end of the powerplay, Pakistan stood at 30/3, with captain Babar Azam and Shadab Khan at the crease. Boundaries were hard to come by due to the disciplined USA bowling attack, particularly spinner Harmeet Singh and pacer Kenjige. The 10th over saw Shadab lift the pressure by hitting Jessy Singh for two successive sixes, with Babar adding a four. Pakistan eventually reached their 50-run mark within 9.1 overs.
As the innings progressed, Shadab took on a more aggressive role, hitting two sixes and a four in the 12th over bowled by Harmeet. However, Nosthush Kenjige’s double-strike took out Shadab (40 runs) and Azam Khan (golden duck), pushing Pakistan into another slump.
Despite a late flurry where Babar Azam added crucial runs, eventually falling for 44, and Shaheen Afridi’s resilient 23*, Pakistan could only muster 159/7. Kenjige’s three wickets for 30 runs and Netravalkar’s 2/18 were vital in restraining Pakistan’s total.
In a match filled with tension and high stakes, the USA emerged victorious, writing a new chapter in their cricketing history with this remarkable T20 World Cup win. Both teams displayed commendable efforts, but the day belonged to the USA, celebrating a significant triumph on home soil.
