The United States of America (USA) continued their perfect start in the T20 World Cup 2024, registering an incredible six-run victory over Pakistan at Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium on Thursday, June 6.
Clinical USA bowling restricts Pakistan
The American bowlers set the tone with a dominant display, restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 159/7 in their 20 overs. A dream powerplay saw the USA dismiss three Pakistani openers cheaply – Mohammad Rizwan (9), Usman Khan (3), and Fakhar Zaman (11). Babar Azam (44) and Shadab Khan (40) attempted a fightback with a 72-run partnership, but left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige (3/30) broke the stand and claimed a crucial wicket with the dismissal of Azam Khan.
Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18) was particularly economical, picking up key wickets and ensuring Pakistan couldn’t capitalize in the later overs.
USA chase stutters, but Nitish Kumar forces Super Over
Chasing 160 for victory, the USA innings got off to a steady start with a 68-run partnership between captain Monank Patel (50) and Andries Gous (35). However, Pakistan clawed their way back into the match with wickets from Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir, leaving the USA needing 21 runs from the final two overs. Drama unfolded on the last ball of the innings, as Nitish Kumar (14 not out) smashed a boundary off a full toss from Haris Rauf, forcing a tense Super Over.
Saurabh Netravalkar shines in Super Over, USA secures historic win
In the Super Over, the USA managed 18 runs, with only 11 coming from the bat. However, the responsibility of defending this total fell on the shoulders of Netravalkar, who remained calm under pressure. He dismissed Iftikhar Ahmed and conceded only 13 runs, securing a historic victory for the USA.
This win sends a strong message as the USA remains undefeated in the tournament. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and address their performance before their next match against arch-rivals India.
Also READ: Meet Saurabh Netravalkar, the India-born USA cricketer who shocked Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2024
Here are the reactions from the cricket fraternity:
USA grounded Pakistan in their opening game. History’s been registered. Pakistan looked exhausted and helpless in the field. Congrats USA for a thumping victory #PAKvUSA @cricketworldcup pic.twitter.com/YwT20swT2Z
— Waqar Younis (@waqyounis99) June 6, 2024
#USA the better team from ball one! Richly deserved this historic victory. #PAKvUSA #T20WorldCup
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) June 6, 2024
USA. Wow. Are you not entertained. #PakvsUSA
— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) June 6, 2024
This could bring this T20 World Cup to life. Who would have thought USA would beat Pakistan. But better team win no doubt. #T20WorldCup
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 6, 2024
USA cricketball here to stay! 🇺🇸🙌🏼
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) June 6, 2024
Didn’t have that on my 2024 Bingo Card…
Huge win that @usacricket !!!
Well done 👏👏👏 #T20WC2024
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) June 6, 2024
Now that’s how to grow the game in the states … 👍👍👍
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 6, 2024
Historically day for USA. Beating Pakistan in T20 World Cup it’s a hell of an achievement. #USACricket #PAKvsUSA #T20WorldCup
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) June 6, 2024
The USA has burgered and fried Pakistan in the Super Over! Aaron Jones with the batting onions, Saurabh Netravalkar with the bowling mustard, and Kumar with the bread roll! Sensational by the hosts.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) June 6, 2024
UNBELIEVABLE ! USA
— Salman Butt (@im_SalmanButt) June 6, 2024
Wow Netravalkar and Kumar doing it for Amreeka against Pakistan.
What a Great day for US cricket. Truly incredible #T20WorldCup
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 6, 2024
Hahhahahahah hahahhahyaar bas abb #pakistan #t20
— Jaskaran Malhotra (@JaskaranUSA) June 6, 2024
What an incredible performance by the hosts of #T20WorldCup against #PAK – a super over topped by a VICTORY, absolute masterclass! 🏏💯#PAKvsUSA
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) June 7, 2024
USA 🇺🇸 👏🏼 what a game!
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) June 6, 2024
USA has out performed Pakistan in all department #PakvsUSA
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 6, 2024
History created by USA cricket beating Pakistan 👏
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 6, 2024
Wow wow wow wow!!! USA vs Pakistan
What a game. 🤯🤯🤯🤯
🇵🇰 🇺🇸 #t20worldcup
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) June 6, 2024
Neutral fans enjoying USA win vs Pakistan 😅 Take a bow @usacricket and skipper Monank Patel, you’ve earned the respect of the cricket world 👏🏼👏🏼 #PakvsUSA #T20worldcup pic.twitter.com/kV0qndPD25
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 6, 2024
I don’t understand why dint @FakharZamanLive take strike to a lefty seamer – when it is easier for a left hander to hit through the angle that bowler is tryin to create
Nonetheless have to give it #TeamUSA @usacricket for making smart decisions under pressure specially the…
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 6, 2024
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 – Babar Azam reacts on Pakistan’s shocking defeat against USA
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