The United States of America has pulled off one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over contest in Dallas on Friday morning AEST.
The host nation, playing its first T20 World Cup, successfully defended a 19-run target during a tense Super Over at Grand Prairie Stadium to secure its second victory of the tournament, having defeated Canada at the same venue earlier in the week.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Amir conceded 18 runs during his sloppy Super Over, including seven wides, with Aaron Jones again proving America’s saviour with the bat.
India-born paceman Saurabh Netravalkar, who earlier claimed 2-18 during the regulation innings, sealed the historic victory by conceding 13 runs and dismissing rival captain Babar Azam, caught at long-off by Nitish Kumar.
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Earlier, Pakistan posted 7-159 from its 20 overs after USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and chose to bowl first, with spinner Nosthush Kenjige taking 3-30. Azam top-scored with a patient 44 (43), while all-rounder Shadab Khan provided some late fireworks by clobbering 40 (25).
Patel blasted a 34-ball fifty to get America’s run chase off to a flying start, but some superb death bowling from Pakistan’s seamers sent the contest down to the wire.
Needing 12 runs from the final three deliveries, Jones (36* from 26 balls) and Kumar (14* from 14 balls) struck six, one and four off Pakistan quick Haris Rauf to force the one-over decider.
The USA, ranked 18th in the world, had previously only defeated Ireland and Bangladesh among Test-playing nations in the T20 format.
Pakistan, who has an infamous reputation for making bad starts in ICC tournaments, will next face rivals India at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Monday morning, with the first ball scheduled for 12.30am AEST.