USA Stuns Pakistan in Dramatic Super Over to Complete All-Time Great Upset
Historic Victory for USA in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024
The USA created a historic moment in cricket by stunning Pakistan with a Super Over victory in a nail-biting contest at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. A boundary off the final ball of USA’s run-chase sent the match into a Super Over, where the co-hosts emerged victorious in Dallas, pulling off one of the most remarkable upsets in cricket history.
Pakistan’s Strong T20 World Cup Record
Pakistan has a strong track record in T20 World Cups, having reached at least the semi-final stage in six out of eight tournaments, including being runners-up in the most recent 2022 tournament in Australia. However, they faced a formidable USA team that executed their game plan flawlessly to secure one of the biggest results in cricket history.
Super Over Drama
Pakistan entrusted Mohammad Amir with the ball in the Super Over. However, Amir's three wides and a string of overthrows allowed the USA to accumulate 18 runs, with only one boundary coming from Aaron Jones’s bat. Netravalkar Saurabh held his nerve with the ball, securing a remarkable victory for the USA on home soil.
USA’s Run Chase
Chasing a target of 160, the USA’s top order displayed resilience against Pakistan’s high-caliber bowling attack. Opener Steven Taylor departed for 12 runs in the final over of the Powerplay, but Monank Patel and Andries Gous formed a brilliant partnership that pushed the USA into a commanding position. Monank Patel’s classy half-century was pivotal, as he and Gous put on a 68-run stand.
Pakistan’s Pace Attack Strikes Back
Pakistan’s pace attack regained momentum, removing both set batters to set up a tense finish at the Grand Prairie Stadium. Haris Rauf dismissed Gous (35 from 26) for a crucial breakthrough, followed by Mohammad Amir getting Monank Patel caught behind for 50 from 38 balls. Despite a fine knock from Aaron Jones (36* from 26), a classic display of death bowling seemed to have secured victory for Pakistan.
Last-Minute Heroics
In a thrilling turn of events, the USA managed to score 11 runs off the final three deliveries of the innings. Nitish Kumar hit the last ball for four, forcing a Super Over and sending the Dallas crowd into a frenzy.
Pakistan’s Innings: A Recovery Effort
Earlier in the match, Pakistan had to recover from early setbacks, thanks to a partnership between Babar Azam (44 from 43) and Shadab Khan (40 from 25). This partnership helped Pakistan recover from early wickets, with late contributions from Shaheen Shah Afridi boosting their total to 159/7 after 20 overs. Nosthush Kenjige (3/30 from 4) and Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18 from 4) led the way with the ball for the USA, giving their batters a fighting chance.
USA’s Strong Bowling Performance
USA’s captain Monak Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first. Pakistan faced a tricky start, losing Mohammad Rizwan (9) to a stunning catch in the second over. Usman Khan (3) and Fakhar Zaman (11) were also dismissed early, putting Pakistan in a difficult position. Babar Azam and Shadab Khan steadied the ship, but the momentum swung back to the USA when Nosthush Kenjige took two wickets in two balls, dismissing Shadab and Azam Khan.
Pakistan’s Late Acceleration
Babar Azam’s anchoring innings ended abruptly when he was trapped lbw by Jasdeep Singh for 44, making him the leading run-scorer in men’s T20 Internationals. Pakistan managed to accelerate towards the end of their innings, with contributions from Iftikhar Ahmed (18 from 14) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (23 from 16), boosting their total to 159/7.
Opening Win and Group A Dynamics
USA opened the tournament with a victory over neighbors Canada in the first game, and their win against Pakistan has significantly impacted Group A. Pakistan, initially favorites to progress to the Super 8 phase alongside India, now face an uncertain path. Pakistan’s preparation was disrupted by weather, affecting their rain-affected series in England and their time in Texas. This result is one of their most disappointing in major ICC events.
Upcoming Matches
Next, Pakistan faces a crucial match against India in New York on Sunday, in what promises to be a highly anticipated encounter.
