USA defeat Pakistan, win by 5 runs in thrilling super over finish

In the T20 World Cup, the USA stunned everyone with a stunning victory over Pakistan in the Super Over in Texas. The game proceeded to the extra over after both teams struck 159 in their 20 overs at Grand Prairie Stadium, with tournament co-hosts and debutants USA hitting 14 in the last over to level Pakistan’s total.

After choosing to field first, the USA held Pakistan to 159/7 before matching the total and launching an outstanding run chase that forced Pakistan into a Super Over. After Haris Rauf’s final delivery, Nitish Kumar struck a boundary, bringing USA’s total to 159/3 in 20 overs and tying the score.

In the Super Over, the USA batted first and quickly put further pressure on their opponents, scoring 18 runs for one, including seven extras and 11 from Aaron Jones before he was run out. After Iftikhar Ahmed beautifully caught Nitish Kumar at the boundary, restricting Pakistan to 13 for one, USA bowler Saurabh Netravalkar brought Pakistan to five for none off three deliveries.

In the last over of the Powerplay, opener Steven Taylor went for 12 (16) as the USA scored 44/1, chasing 160 for victory. With a sensational 69-run partnership for the second wicket, captain Monank Patel and fellow tournament co-hosts Andries Gous put Pakistan on the back foot and appeared to be in control of the run chase. In particular, Monank was outstanding, scoring a sophisticated half-century to instill optimism in his team. Gous scored 35 off 26 balls, while he struck seven boundaries and one six in his precise 50 off 38 balls.

But Pakistan’s four-pronged pace attack struck back, taking out the two set batsmen to set up an exciting finish at Grand Prairie Stadium.

Haris Rauf overcame Gous (35 from 26) to secure the vital advantage. Additionally, Mohammad Amir gave Pakistan hope as he had the outstanding Patel caught behind for 50 from 38 one over later. Thanks to a great exhibition of death bowling, Pakistan had pushed to the verge of victory despite a brilliant innings from Aaron Jones. However, the United States of America amassed 11 runs off the last three deliveries of the innings, with Nitish Kumar hitting the ball for four to force a Super Over and electrify the Dallas crowd.

Pakistan was getting closer to a competitive total as Babar and Shadab spearheaded the reconstruction. However, Nosthush Kenjige’s two-ball dismissal of Azam Khan (0) and Shadab (40 from 25) with a first-baller gave the USA the upper hand once again. Jasdeep Singh caught Babar leg before wicket for 44, ending his dominant innings and becoming him the highest run scorer in men’s T20 International history.

However, Iftikhar Ahmed (18 from 14) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23 from 16) gave Pakistan a late surge, taking their total to 159/7. That wasn’t enough, though, as their bowlers bowled brilliantly in areas, allowing the USA to force a one-over eliminator and draw the game.

Group A leaders USA currently have a fantastic chance of advancing to the Super 8s phase after defeating Canada by seven wickets in their opening match last Sunday. The top two finishers from each of the four groups advance to the tournament’s final eight.

The United States, who are sharing hosting responsibilities with the West Indies, are hosting a major event for the first time on behalf of the ICC. Patel is optimistic that their victory over Pakistan—the 2009 winners and two-time runners-up—will establish a significant turning point for the sport in the United States.

Monank Patel: “It’s a big achievement – beating Pakistan while playing for the first time. Complete performance. We used the conditions well. Kept them to 160, which was chaseable. Happy with my contribution, happier to have won.”

Babar Azam: “First six overs while batting, we couldn’t capitalise. We took momentum but back-to-back wickets hurt us. We were not up to the mark in the first six. Didn’t take wickets, spinners didn’t either. We came back in the end but couldn’t finish well. Hope to do well in the future. Very hard, all credit to USA who did well in all three departments. That’s why they won. There was moisture in the pitch. It was two-paced. As professionals, we had to assess conditions better.”

Monank Patel, Player of the Match: “Winning the toss, way we bowled in first six was where we won. We took wickets, did well till the 12th over. Shadab, Babar took chances, we knew they will. We knew it was a chaseable score and needed a good partnership from top-three. We got the game in our hand as me and Gous played till the 12th over. Playing in the WC, you don’t get a chance to do it every year. Knew we had to be fully committed every single ball against Pakistan. It was a complete effort from the team.”