Hosts USA Upset Pakistan In T20 World Cup 2024

The co-hosts of the T20 World Cup 2024 USA upset Asian giants Pakistan in the 11th game of the mega event after beating them by 5 runs in the super over in Dallas, Texas on 6th June. Post Bangaldesh, Pakistan became the second test-playing nation to lose to the USA in T20Is.

After inviting the visitors to bat first, the hosts restricted them to a modest total of 159/7 in 20 overs. Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige led the bowling unit with his superb 3/30 and Indian-origin Saurabh Netravalkar kept them under pressure with his economical spell of 2/18. The quickest among the USA bowlers, Ali Khan bowled a decent spell of 1/30 in the game. For Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and all-rounder Shadab Khan contributed with decent 40s, apart from them, nobody could score major runs.

With the aim to chase 160, The USA lost their opener Steven Taylor in the 6th over for 12 runs but captain Monank Patel kept the scoreboard ticking from the other end and scored a fabulous 50 off 38 balls before falling to Amir in the 15th over. Top-order batter and the heroes of the last game, Gous, and Aaron Jones contributed with fluent 30s. But the game went till the last ball with the hosts needing 15 in the 20th over. Jones scored eight runs off Haris Rauf and Nitish Kumar made five runs, including the crucial last ball four to tie the game.

USA vs Pak : Hosts USA Upset Pakistan In T20 World Cup 2024

In the Super Over, Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh stepped up for the USA and scored 18 runs where 7 came off wide balls alone. Despite having ample experience and potential, Amir failed to deliver and succumbed under pressure. In reply, Pakistan could manage only 13 runs with the loss of one wicket while left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar bowled discreetly and successfully defended the target, executing wide yorkers mostly.

USA skipper Monank Patel bagged the Man of the Match award for his solid 50 off 38 balls.