In a thrilling encounter that left cricket fans on the edge of their seats, the T20 World Cup 2024 witnessed an unprecedented match between Pakistan and the USA.
This game will be remembered not just for the competition but for the sheer excitement it generated, culminating in a historic upset by the USA.
The clash was intense, showcasing remarkable performances and ultimately ending in a tie, forcing the match into an intense Super Over.
Match Summary
The game between Pakistan and the USA was nothing short of spectacular. Both teams displayed exceptional skills, resulting in a tie that pushed the match into a nerve-wracking Super Over.
The USA managed to hold their ground against the formidable Pakistani side. The match ended with both teams scoring 159 runs in their respective 20 overs, leading to a Super Over to decide the winner.
Detailed Scorecard
1st Innings by Pakistan
| Batting | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Mohammad Rizwan | c Taylor b Netravalkar | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 112.50 |
| Babar Azam (c) | lbw b Jasdeep Singh | 44 | 43 | 3 | 2 | 102.32 |
| Usman Khan | c Kumar b Kenjige | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Fakhar Zaman | c Taylor b Ali Khan | 11 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 157.14 |
| Shadab Khan | c Netravalkar b Kenjige | 40 | 25 | 1 | 3 | 160.00 |
| Azam Khan † | lbw b Kenjige | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | lbw b Netravalkar | 18 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 128.57 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | not out | 23 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 143.75 |
| Haris Rauf | not out | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (lb 4, w 4) | 8 | ||||
| Total | (20 Overs, 7 wickets) | 159 |
Did not bat: Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir
Fall of Wickets
- 1-9: Mohammad Rizwan (1.2 ov) – c Taylor b Netravalkar
- 2-14: Usman Khan (2.3 ov) – c Kumar b Kenjige
- 3-26: Fakhar Zaman (4.4 ov) – c Taylor b Ali Khan
- 4-98: Shadab Khan (12.4 ov) – c Netravalkar b Kenjige
- 5-98: Azam Khan (12.5 ov) – lbw b Kenjige
- 6-125: Babar Azam (15.5 ov) – lbw b Jasdeep Singh
- 7-139: Iftikhar Ahmed (18.1 ov) – lbw b Netravalkar
USA Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Econ | 0s | 4s | 6s | WD | NB |
| Nosthush Kenjige | 4 | 0 | 30 | 3 | 7.50 | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | 4 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 4.50 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ali Khan | 4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 7.50 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Harmeet Singh | 4 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 8.50 | 9 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Jasdeep Singh | 3 | 0 | 37 | 1 | 12.33 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Corey Anderson | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6.00 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2nd Innings by USA (Target: 160 runs from 20 overs)
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Steven Taylor | c Rizwan b Naseem Shah | 12 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 75.00 |
| Monank Patel (c)† | c Rizwan b Mohammad Amir | 50 | 38 | 7 | 1 | 131.57 |
| Andries Gous | b Haris Rauf | 35 | 26 | 5 | 1 | 134.61 |
| Aaron Jones | not out | 36 | 26 | 2 | 2 | 138.46 |
| Nitish Kumar | not out | 14 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (lb 1, w 11) | 12 | ||||
| Total | (20 Overs, 3 wickets) | 159 |
Did not bat: Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
Fall of Wickets
- 1-36: Steven Taylor (5.1 over) – c Rizwan b Naseem Shah
- 2-104: Andries Gous (13.1 over) – b Haris Rauf
- 3-111: Monank Patel (14.1 over) – c Rizwan b Mohammad Amir
Pakistan Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Econ | 0s | 4s | 6s | WD | NB |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 4 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 8.25 | 13 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Mohammad Amir | 4 | 0 | 25 | 1 | 6.25 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Naseem Shah | 4 | 0 | 26 | 1 | 6.50 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Haris Rauf | 4 | 0 | 37 | 1 | 9.25 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Shadab Khan | 3 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 9.00 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 10.00 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Super Over Highlights
- USA: 18/0 in 1 over
- Pakistan 13/1 in 1 over
In the Super Over, the USA batted first and managed to score 18 runs off Muhammad Amir’s over. Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh were the batsmen for the USA, displaying commendable composure under pressure to set a competitive target.
Pakistan needed 19 runs to win in the Super Over. Fakhar Zaman and Iftekhar Ahmad stepped up to the crease, but they fell short, managing only 13 runs, thus handing the USA a memorable victory.
Individual Performances
- Monank Patel: His 50 runs off 38 balls were instrumental in keeping the USA in the game. His leadership in the Super Over was also commendable, earning him the Player of the Match award.
- Babar Azam: The Pakistani captain scored 44 runs and anchored the innings.
- Shadab Khan: Contributed 40 runs and played a crucial role in the middle order for Pakistan.
- Mohammad Amir: Bowled economically, giving away only 25 runs in his 4 overs and taking a crucial wicket.
- Naseem Shah: Was effective with the ball, taking 1 wicket for 26 runs in his 4 overs.
- Haris Rauf: Despite being expensive, he took a vital wicket in the middle overs.
- Nosthush Kenjige: Was the standout performer with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 30 runs and delivering a tight over in the Super Over.
- Saurabh Netravalkar: Economical and effective, giving away only 18 runs in his 4 overs and taking 2 wickets.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs USA match was a brilliant showcase of the competitive spirit and unpredictability of T20 cricket. It highlighted the emergence of the USA as a competitive team on the global stage and provided valuable lessons for Pakistan as they advanced in the tournament. This match will be etched in the memories of cricket fans as a classic example of the thrilling and dynamic nature of T20 cricket.
