Dallas: The USA cricket team pulled off a historic upset by defeating Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over contest at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This nail-biting encounter, held at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, marks one of the most significant shocks in cricket history.
The USA’s remarkable victory came after a dramatic finish to their run-chase. Needing 160 to win, the co-hosts tied the match off the final ball of their innings, thanks to Nitish Kumar’s boundary, which sent the match into a Super Over.
Facing the formidable Mohammad Amir, the USA capitalized on a series of wides and overthrows, amassing 18 runs despite only one boundary from Aaron Jones. Saurabh Netravalkar then bowled a superb Super Over, securing the victory for the USA on home soil.
Earlier in the game, the USA won the toss and chose to bowl. Pakistan’s innings had a shaky start with early dismissals, but a recovery partnership between captain Babar Azam (44 from 43 balls) and Shadab Khan (40 from 25 balls) steadied the ship. Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late hitting (23 from 16) lifted Pakistan to a competitive 159/7.
Nosthush Kenjige (3/30) and Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18) were instrumental with the ball for the USA, dismantling Pakistan’s top order and applying pressure throughout the innings.
In response, USA’s innings had its own ups and downs. Opener Steven Taylor fell for 12, but Monank Patel and Andries Gous formed a crucial partnership, moving the USA past 100 and within sight of victory. Patel’s classy half-century (50 from 38 balls) and Gous’s solid 35 from 26 balls kept the USA in contention.
Pakistan’s pace attack struck back late, with Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir removing key batsmen to set up a tense finish. Aaron Jones’ unbeaten 36 from 26 balls and Nitish Kumar’s heroics in the final over, however, ensured the game would go to a Super Over.
The victory propels the USA into a strong position in Group A, having already defeated Canada in their opening game. This result significantly shakes up the group, with Pakistan, alongside India, having been favorites to advance to the Super 8 phase.
Pakistan’s campaign has been hampered by weather disruptions during their preparations, but this loss stands as a major disappointment. They now face a crucial match against arch-rivals India in New York on Sunday.