T20 WC: USA shocks Pak

United States handed a shocking defeat to Pakistan in their T20 World Cup match at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas on Thursday. The result of the match was decided in the Super Over after scores of both the teams were tied at the end of the 40 overs of play. Earlier, Babar scored 44 off 43 as Pakistan posted 159 for 7 after getting an invitation to bat first. Pakistan were 26 for 3 in 4.4 overs before Babar and Shadab Khan took the side out of the hot water with a 72-run stand. Shaheen Afridi’s 23 not out off 16 also played a crucial role in taking Pakistan to a competitive total. Nosthush Kenjige was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 30 in four overs. Chasing the target of 160, USA ended at 159 for 3 in the stipulated 20 overs. With the hosts needing 5 runs to win off the final ball, Nitish Kumar smashed Haris Rauf for a four to take the game to Super Over. USA set a target of 19 runs for Pakistan in the Super Over with the latter team ending at 13 in reply.

Monank Patel | USA captain: Winning the toss and the way we bowled in the first 6 overs, we took wickets and kept them quiet. We knew they will take chances after their partnership. We knew we were in the game with 160 to chase, just needed a partnership. Playing in a World Cup, you don’t get a chance to do it every year. We were fully committed every single ball.

Babar Azam | Pakistan captain: First 6 overs while batting we didn’t capitalise. Back to back wickets always put you on the back foot, as a batter you need to step up and build partnerships. We were not up to the mark in the first 6 overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs so these things cost us. Very hard, all credit to USA, they played better than us in all three departments. Little bit of moisture in the pitch, it was also two-paced. As a professional you need to assess the conditions.

Monank Patel | Player of the Match: It is a big achievement, beating Pakistan and that too playing (them) for the first time. It was a complete team effort. We won the toss and we made sure we utilised the conditions well, we did really well to keep them under 160. I am happy with my contribution and more happy that we won the game. We spoke about the top three contributing and happy that myself and Gous could do that. The plan was to play proper shots and he (Gous) took the pressure off me. Happy to get the two points. As a batter and player you want to show off in the big games and I am happy that my knock came in a winning cause.