Today, USA made history on its soil, handing the Pakistan cricket team a historic defeat in the T20 World Cup. Pakistan scored 159 runs on a good wicket in Texas but failed to defend the total.
USA 159 for 3 (Monank 50, Jones 36*, Gous 35) beat Pakistan 159 for 7 (Babar 44, Shadab 40, Kenjige 3-30, Netravalkar 2-18) via Super Over
USA muzzled an experienced Pakistan top order, brought their hitters to heel, then produced a measured batting performance that tied the scores at 159-all.
This forced the game into a Super Over, and here is when USA seemed like the veteran team on the circuit while Pakistan went into high-pressure-meltdown mode.
If this already seemed a tough ask for Pakistan to better, Saurabh Netravalkar made their job even more difficult. He had been outstanding for USA in regular play, taking 2 for 18 from his four overs. His Super Over was outstanding too, as he conceded just one boundary.
Thanks to four leg byes off the penultimate delivery, Shadab Khan could send the match into a second super over if he destroyed a six off the last ball. He could only hit it to deep point, all along the ground.
The USA were jubilant, having taken down the biggest opposition they had ever faced.
Pakistan, ahead of their massive match against India, had been subjected to one of their greatest World Cup setbacks. It’s not as if Pakistan had had it in their grip and let it slip – USA had actually been in control of this match for much of its duration.
Analysts said for a while that Pakistan was unprepared for the World Cup. After losing two matches in England, Pakistan came to the USA for the World Cup with no visible confidence, and the worst fears were realized.
In the Super Over, Amir bowled three wide balls, which cost 9 runs, contributing to a total of 19 runs—a dismal performance by any bowler’s standards.
Shaheen Afridi could have done better. Pakistan then failed to chase the target of 19 runs.
Next, Pakistan will play against India in New York, followed by a match against Ireland in Florida. Each game must now be treated as a final by Pakistan.
Only opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad criticized Pakistan’s preparations, as PCB silenced the media criticism by sending sports reporters from various channels to the USA.