Pakistan’s opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024 saw them off to a difficult start against the United States of America (USA). The hosts asked them to bat first, and the USA succeeded against Mohammad Rizwan in the second over when he left the pitch for nine runs off eight balls. After dancing down the track, the keeper-batter attempted to flip the ball towards the left side, but Steven Taylor was positioned at the first slip, where the ball was carried by an edge.
With a spectacular catch, Taylor extended to his right. Despite the ball being far from his position, the 30-year-old was still able to reach it and make a low catch. Participating in the commentary, Ramiz Raja thinks it will rank among the top ten catches of the competition, but Mike Haysman, his partner, thinks it will be the greatest.
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USA wants to cause Pakistan to lose
In the powerplay, Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman both lost two more crucial wickets for Pakistan. The visitors lost three wickets early on, partly because they appeared naive and uninspired. Though he just avoided being run out, Skipper Babar Azam also had a chance to return inside the pavilion. Shadab Khan also experienced a similar situation.
Also read: WATCH: After Golden Duck versus USA, Azam Khan looks angry at the crowd; the video becomes viral
Usman entered the competition with high expectations, but he struggled in the opening game. The 29-year-old attempted the spectacular shot, but he mistimed it and Nitish Kumar was the recipient. Even though that’s not the kind of shot he often plays, broadcaster Raja went for it and lost his wicket in the process.
Cricket USA is really taking on @babarazam258 and team pakistan. Now Fakhar Zaman is out
Pak 26-3 After 4.4 Overs.#PAKvsUSA #KanganaRanaut pic.twitter.com/2BPHQHcDRk— Balu S. (@Balraje93) June 6, 2024
American bowler Ali Khan, who was born in Pakistan, struck out Fakhar Zaman. Zaman appeared to be in fantastic form, but he attempted to play a lob shot and missed the timing, just as Taylor was able to grab a dolly at short fine. Pakistan was now down to 26/3 and would require a miracle to turn things around.