Texas (USA), June 6 : In a shocking upset, the USA national cricket team defeated Pakistan in a thrilling super over finish at the T20 World Cup. After Pakistan set a target of 159 runs, the USA team managed to tie the score, forcing the match into a super over. In the super over, the USA team scored 17 runs, while Pakistan could only manage 13 runs, resulting in a narrow 5-run victory for the USA.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a respectable score of 159 runs in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with a slow but steady 44 runs. Shadab Khan (40 runs off 25 balls) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23 runs off 16 balls) provided late impetus with their quickfire cameos. USA’s bowling attack was led by Netush Kanigje, who took 3 wickets, while Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan chipped in with 2 wickets each. Jasdeep Singh also claimed one wicket.
Chasing 160 runs for victory, the USA team got off to a steady start. However, they lost their first wicket in the form of opener Steven Taylor for 12 runs at 36 runs. Captain Monank Patel (50 runs) then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership of 68 runs alongside Andrew Gus (35 runs). Just when it seemed the USA team was cruising towards victory, both Gus and Patel were dismissed in quick succession. Needing 49 runs from the final four overs, Aaron Jones (36 runs) and Nitish Kumar (14 runs) kept the chase alive, but they ultimately fell short by just 1 run, forcing the match into a super over.
In the super over, the USA team scored 17 runs, thanks to a six from Jones. Pakistan, in response, could only manage 13 runs, with Mohammad Amir taking the only wicket. This resulted in a thrilling 5-run victory for the USA team.
This match marks a significant upset for Pakistan, who were considered one of the favorites to win the tournament. The USA team, on the other hand, has shown their potential and will be looking to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.