The cricketing world is reeling after a surprising turn of events in the T20 World Cup on Thursday, as the USA defeated Pakistan in a nail-biting match held in Dallas. The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team, heavily favored to win, succumbed to the hosts in a dramatic super over finish.
A Disappointing Performance
The Pakistani side, known for its formidable talent, underperformed significantly. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, expressing his disappointment, drew parallels to Pakistan’s shocking loss to Bangladesh in the 1999 World Cup. “It was a disappointing loss for Pakistan. We are not off to a good start, losing to the USA,” Akhtar remarked in a video shared on social media. He acknowledged the USA’s dominance, stating, “Unfortunately, Pakistan never deserved to win because the USA played really well. They were always in the commanding position.”
Match Highlights: PAK vs USA
First Innings:
- Pakistan’s Struggle: The Pakistani batting lineup struggled against the USA bowlers, managing only 159 runs. Key contributions came from Saurabh Netravalkar (2/18) and Nosthush Kenjige (3/30), who effectively stifled Pakistan’s batting efforts.
- USA’s Response: In their chase, the USA team showed resilience and determination. Skipper Monank Patel led with a 38-ball 50, supported by Andries Gous (35) and Aaron Jones (36), keeping the pressure on Pakistan throughout their innings.
Super Over:
- Pakistani Effort: Mohammad Amir, who had earlier saved the match for Pakistan, was tasked with bowling the super over but conceded 19 runs.
- USA’s Defense: Netravalkar successfully defended the target, securing a historic win for the USA and marking their second victory in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Reactions and Analysis
The cricket community, especially in Pakistan, is in shock. Fans and former players are seeking answers to what went wrong. Shoaib Akhtar’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of frustration and the need for introspection within the Pakistan cricket team.
