DALLAS: Pakistan set a target of 160 runs for the United States of America (USA) in the 11th match of ICC Men’s T20I World Cup 2024 at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas on Thursday.
The Babar Azam-led side did not have the start they were looking for as they lost three early wickets. The hosts had a brilliant start with the ball as their bowlers sent the Pakistani top-order batters — Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman — back to the pavilion for just 26 runs on the scoreboard.
The visitors opened with their successful pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan as they gave rest to the young star Saim Ayub, who performed well in the Pakistan Super League.
However, after losing three quick wickets, captain Babar Azam and Shadab Khan played with caution and put the struggling Pakistani side back in the game.
A 72-run partnership between Babar Azam and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan go on top once again but Shadab Khan walked back to the pavilion after scoring 40 runs off 25 balls.
Right after Shadab Khan’s dismissal, wicketkeeper batter Azam Khan got out on a golden duck and the wickets continued to fall.
Babar Azam scored 44 runs off 43 balls. Iftikhar Ahmed departed after scoring 18 runs.
Shaheen Afridi (23 off 16 balls) provided crucial runs to Pakistan down the order and helped them conclude their innings at 159-7 in the allocated overs.
Earlier at the toss, USA skipper Monak Patel defended his decision of bowling first saying that chasing is easier and they did the same in their previous match against Canada.
“Chasing here is easier,” said USA captain Monak Patel at the toss as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo. “The way we chased down total was entertaining. Have momentum, and want to continue that. Excited for this challenge.”
The Green Shirts, who aim to start their campaign with a victory, have played four pacers in the team with two all-rounders, and five batters including a wicketkeeper.
With their exceptional performances in past tournaments, the Babar Azam-led side is favourite but the US are not a side to ignore as they beat Canada in their first match.
The US had won the match by seven wickets as they chased 195 runs.
USA Playing XI
Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (capt, wk), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jasdeep Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
Pakistan Playing XI
Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf
