USA stun Pakistan at the T20 Cricket World Cup in a Super Over in Texas as minnows continue their perfect start to the tournament
- Pakistan were unable to match America’s score of 19 runs in a dramatic super over
The USA pulled off one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history with a stunning super-over win against Pakistan in Dallas.
The Pakistanis needed 19 to win after Mohammad Amir conceded seven in wides during the Americans’ super over, but left-handed Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed Iftikhar Ahmed’s big hit to restrict the tally to 13, prompting wild celebrations scenes.
The result puts the US top of Group A, following their opening night win over Canada, and with a real chance of qualifying for the Super Eights.
Pakistan, meanwhile, faces the prospect of an early elimination as it prepares for Sunday’s showdown with India in New York.
“I’m really proud of the boys – it’s a big achievement,” said USA captain Monank Patel, man of the match, after scoring 50 from just 38 balls as his side chased 160 for victory.
The US pulled off one of the biggest cricket upsets in recent history after winning a dramatic super match against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup
They were looking down and out with 12 needed from three balls, but Aaron Jones bowled Haris Rauf over wide long-on for six, then singled, before Nitish Kumar hit the final delivery for four to force a memorable super over.
It was there where the hosts pulled off a sensational upset; He scored a whopping 19 runs before shutting Pakistan out for 13 to claim a big scalp in the group stage.
The US now heads into their third outing against India, another cricketing powerhouse, next Wednesday, knowing they have what it takes to defy the odds.
Before the super was over, USA lost just three wickets after openers Steven Taylor and Patel were caught at 12 and 50 respectively.
Andries Gous was bowled for 35, before Jones scored 36 and Nitish Kumar scored 14.
From a bowling point of view, Nosthush Kenjige took three of the seven wickets for the USA that day.
Aaron Jones’ late heroics helped the US force the super to Texas on Thursday afternoon
It was there where the hosts pulled off a sensational upset; He scored a whopping 19 runs before shutout Pakistan for 13 runs
Saurabh Netravalkar took two, while Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh also chipped in with wickets.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan led the praise for the USA on social media after their historic upset on Thursday afternoon.
“Incredible performance from @usacricket,” Vaughan wrote on X.
He then added: ‘A performance so far so typical of Pakistani cricket.. #PAKvUSA’