For Pakistan, Mohammad Amir, who had bowled superbly in the death overs, was given the responsibility of the super over. However, Amir’s experience fell short as he bowled erratically, conceding 18 runs to Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh.
These runs were sufficient for USA’s left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar. Chasing a target of 19 runs in the super over, Pakistan managed to score only 13 runs for the loss of one wicket, with Iftikhar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan batting in the super over.
The match took place on Thursday at Grand Prairie in Dallas, where the USA won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pakistan couldn’t capitalize on this opportunity and posted a total of 159 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.
Pakistan’s top order collapsed early, losing three wickets for just 30 runs in the powerplay. Netravalkar initiated the breakthrough by dismissing Mohammad Rizwan, with a significant contribution from Steven Taylor, who took a brilliant catch at slip.
After Rizwan’s dismissal for 9 runs off 8 balls, Usman Khan was also out quickly, scoring only 3 runs in his debut World Cup match. Fakhar Zaman followed, dismissed by Ali Khan after scoring 11 runs off 7 balls, leaving Pakistan at 26 for 3 in 4.4 overs.
In the face of the American bowlers’ dominance, Shadab Khan came to bat at number five. He stabilized the innings and formed a crucial 72-run partnership with captain Babar Azam for the fourth wicket, scoring 40 runs off 25 balls before being dismissed.
Following Shadab’s dismissal, Azam Khan was out on the next ball, giving Kenjige two wickets in consecutive deliveries. Pakistan was at 98 for 5. The momentum Shadab and Babar had built quickly dissipated, increasing the pressure on Pakistan.
Babar Azam couldn’t withstand the pressure, getting out for 44 runs off 43 balls with the team’s score at 125. Iftikhar Ahmed also couldn’t play till the end, getting out for 18 runs on the first ball of the 19th over.
However, Shaheen Afridi provided a late surge, scoring a quick 23 runs off 16 balls, helping Pakistan cross the 150-run mark. For the USA, Nosthush picked up 3 wickets, Netravalkar 2, and Ali Khan and Jitendra Singh took 1 each.
In reply, the USA, led by captain Monank Patel’s 50 runs, matched Pakistan’s score with the loss of just three wickets, pushing the game into a super over where they clinched a historic victory.
