Ina thrilling encounter at the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup, co-hosts United States pulled off a sensational upset by defeating Pakistan in a super over during their Group A match on home soil on Thursday.
India-born left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar, who had already played a pivotal role in the regulation overs, maintained his composure to concede just 13 runs in the extra over, securing a historic win for the American team.
Super over drama
Pakistan opted to trust Mohammad Amir with the crucial super over instead of fellow left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, Amir struggled, conceding 18 runs, which included seven off wides and a boundary by Aaron Jones. Additionally, poor fielding and overthrows further compounded Pakistan’s woes.
Nitish Kumar’s boundary off the final ball of the regulation overs bowled by Haris Rauf had tied the match, forcing the super over. The United States had finished on 159 for three in reply to Pakistan’s 159 for seven.
Key performances
United States captain Monank Patel provided early momentum with a knock of 50 off 38 balls, adding 68 runs for the second wicket with Andries Gous, who scored 35. Despite losing both Gous and Patel in quick succession, the Americans remained on track.
Aaron Jones, a former Barbados Pride batsman, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 36, setting the stage for Kumar’s dramatic boundary that forced the super over.
“It’s a big achievement, beating Pakistan while playing for the first time (against them),” said a jubilant Patel. “We used the conditions well, (and) kept them to 160, which was chaseable.”
Pakistan’s struggle
For Pakistan, it was a familiar tough start to a global tournament. The team will need to regroup quickly before their highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India on Sunday at Nassau County Stadium in New York.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 44 from 43 balls, and Shadab Khan added a brisk 40 from 25 balls. Despite losing early wickets, Pakistan managed to post a competitive total, thanks to some powerful hitting from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Nosthush Kenjige was the standout bowler for the United States, taking three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs, while Netravalkar complemented him with two wickets for 18 runs from his four overs.
