The unthinkable happened in Match 11 of the T20 World Cup as Pakistan lost its opening encounter against the hosts and massive underdogs, the USA. The Babar Azam-led side has made a disappointing start to the tournament as they fell short in the game by five runs. USA, the host nation of the tournament has undoubtedly achieved its biggest win ever. On the other hand, things are shaping badly for the subcontinent side.
The men in green managed to put up a below-par score of 159/7 in 20 overs. In response, the USA made a strong start, led by captain Monank Patel. His 50 off 38 balls is the reason why the hosts were in the game despite Pakistan holding them off in the later stages of the innings. In the end, Aaron Jones led the team to tie the score to 159, to send the match to Super Over where the home team emerged victorious.
Let’s see in detail exactly what happened in this historic game.
Pakistan Batted First After the USA Decided to Bowl
The US won the toss and decided to bowl first. On a sunny day, many expected Pakistan to put up a good total as the pitch looked good to bat on. Babar Azam and Rizwan opened the innings but their partnership was short-lived. Bowler Saurabh Nitrawaikar took Rizwan’s wicket when the scoreboard had only nine runs. An outside edge off Rizwan’s bat went to the first slip where Steven Taylor took a blinder, a potential Catch of the Tournament.
From there on, Pakistan kept on losing wickets in succession. Usman Khan (3) was Team US’s second victim when the total score was only 14. Followed by Fakhar Zaman (11) when the team’s total was only 26. After the loss of three wickets, skipper Babar took control of the innings. Slowly but surely, he built a partnership alongside Shadab Khan, who scored 40 off 25. Unfortunately for Pakistan, he got out on Ali Khan’s bowling as the team endured their fourth loss.
Wicketkeeper Batmsan Azam Khan was a couple of minutes guest on the crease. An LBW showed him the way to the pavilion as he got out on the first ball for a duck. Afterward, it was a struggle for the team in green. Babar was the next victim after making 44 off 43 balls. A quickfire 23 off 16 deliveries from Shaheen Shah Afridi in the lower order ensured Pakistan reached a respectable total of 159.
USA’s Starting Assault on Pak Bowlers & Late Comeback
Captain Monank Patel and Steven Taylor opened the US’s innings against one of the best bowling attacks in the world. However, the hosts showed courage in front of the new ball and reached a score of 36 without the loss of a wicket. Pakistan got its first breakthrough when Naseem Shah came into the attack. A knick off Taylor’s bat to Rizwan was enough for the umpire to raise his finger. Despite the setback, Patel and his team kept marching forward.
Pakistan did a brilliant off of containing runs in the middle overs, impacting the home team’s run rate. Due to the pressure, Haris Rauf managed to get Andries Gous’s wicket in the 14th over. Tight lines and lengths from Shaheen and Amir brought the game in Pakistan’s favor as the USA needed 15 in the final over. But it was the hero of the previous game, Aaron Jones, who was still at the crease. A boundary and six ensured the hosts equaled Pakistan’s total, taking the game to Super Over.
The Super Over Saga: Where Hosts Trumped Pak
The hosts came out to bat first in the Super Over with Amir having the ball in hand. It was a poor show from the experienced bowler as he ended up giving seven extras and a six. The hosts put up a target of 18 for Pak in the penultimate over. Iftikhar Ahmed and Fakhar came out to bat for Pakistan, aiming to seal the deal. However, the duo could manage to only get a four in those six deliveries. In the end, Pakistan lost the game by five runs and the USA registered a historic feat in its short cricket career.
Is This the End for Pakistan As India Test Awaits Next?
After the big upset, the team in green is all set to face arch-rivals India in its next group game, scheduled for June 9 in New York. India, who showed a dominant performance against Ireland in its first game, will be confident when approaching this encounter. On the other hand, things are looking difficult for Pak as this is a do-or-die situation for the team.
All they need to recollect themselves and prepare for the tough test against Team India. It’s going to be a monumental task but the men in green need to have the belief. Despite a one-sided record for India in the World Cup games against Pakistan, anything is possible on any given day.
Also Read: India Prepares for a Big Clash with Pakistan in New York | T20 WC
About Author
Siddharth prefers to watch almost any sport under the sun. From Soccer to Cricket to Tennis, to NFL and NBA, he follows it all. A literary student and someone who dreams to be a musician one day as well.
