In a thrilling encounter at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas, the USA caused a major upset by defeating Pakistan in the super over, marking their second victory in the tournament and securing the top spot in Group A with four points.
The match saw the USA defending a 19-run target, successfully restricting Pakistan to 13/1 in the Super Over. The hosts’ stellar performance ensured a historic win and set the stage for an exciting journey in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Chasing a modest 160-run target, the USA faced early setbacks, with opener Steven Taylor departing for 12 in the sixth over. However, captain Monank Patel and Andries Gous steadied the innings with a crucial 68-run partnership. Despite additional challenges, newcomers Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar displayed resilience, ultimately levelling the score with a final-ball boundary.
During Pakistan’s innings, all-rounder Shaheen Shah Afridi’s valiant contribution of 23 off 16 balls in the last few overs bolstered the team’s total to 159-7. Captain Babar Azam led the charge with 44 off 43 balls before falling victim to the US seamers, while Shadab Khan’s aggressive approach was curtailed by the US spin attack.
The match witnessed an intense battle of skills and determination, culminating in a memorable triumph for the USA. As co-hosts of the T20 World Cup, the team’s exceptional performance against formidable opposition has set the stage for an enthralling campaign in the tournament.
This victory further solidifies the USA’s position as a rising force in international cricket and underscores the team’s potential to make a significant impact on the global stage. With this remarkable win, the USA has made a bold statement and is poised to continue capturing the cricketing world’s attention in the T20 World Cup 2024.
