In a surprising T20 World Cup match, Pakistan faced the United States of America. During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, held at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Pakistan fell to an unexpected defeat against the USA.
After winning the toss, the USA chose to bowl first in their first tournament appearance. Pakistan set a total of 159/7 in their 20 overs. Captain Babar Azam scored 44 runs off 43 balls, while Shadab Khan contributed a brisk 40 runs off 25 balls.
Shaheen Afridi added some late runs, finishing with 23 not out off 16 balls. For the USA, Nosthush Kenjige was the top bowler with figures of 3/30. Saurabh Netravalkar contributed 2/18, while Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh claimed one wicket each.
In response, the USA delivered an impressive batting display, matching Pakistan’s score of 159/3 by the end of their innings, forcing a Super Over. Captain Monank Patel led with a solid 50 runs off 38 balls, and Andries Gous (35 off 26) and Aaron Jones (36 off 26) supported well. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled, with Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf each taking one wicket.
The tension rose in the Super Over, where the USA batted first. Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh faced Mohammad Amir, scoring 18 runs for the loss of one wicket in six balls. Jones started strong, hitting a boundary on the first ball, while several wides from Amir added to Pakistan’s difficulties.
Chasing 19 to win, Pakistan managed only 13/1 in their Super Over. Iftikhar Ahmed hit a boundary but was out on the third ball. Shadab Khan also scored a four, but they couldn’t reach the target, as Saurabh Netravalkar kept his composure to secure a historic five-run victory for the USA.
This defeat marked Pakistan’s first loss to a non-Full Member nation in T20Is. The teams are set to meet again in Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for February 10 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
