WEB DESK: In a thrilling match in Texas, Pakistan lost to the United States in a tie-break decider after both teams scored 159 runs. The hosts set a 19-run target for the visitors in the Super Over.
Batting first, the US faced a strong bowling performance by Mohammad Amir. In the Super Over, Pakistan started with a four on the first delivery.
When the US came to bat, they mirrored Pakistan’s start with a four on the first delivery. This was followed by two runs, a single, two wides, another single, two more wides, another two runs, three wides, and finally, a single that led to a run out.
The Babar Azam-led Pakistan side struggled early, losing three wickets in the powerplay. Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, and Fakhar Zaman were dismissed in the first six overs, when fielding restrictions were in place.
Pakistan opened with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, resting young star Saim Ayub, who had shined in the Pakistan Super League.
Read More: T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s target of 160 runs against USA
Fielding four pacers, two all-rounders, and five batsmen including a wicketkeeper, Pakistan aimed to start their campaign with a win. Despite their past successes and being favorites, the US proved to be a formidable opponent, having already beaten Canada in their first match.
In their previous match, the US won by seven wickets, successfully chasing a 195-run target.
For Pakistan, Babar Azam was the leading scorer with 44 runs off 43 deliveries. All-rounder Shadab Khan also contributed, forming a crucial partnership with Azam after a middle-order collapse.
Pakistan’s Playing XI:
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Usman Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Azam Khan
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Amir
- Haris Rauf
