T20 World Cup 2024: USA vs PAK – Who said What?

At Dallas’ Grand Prairie Stadium, the United States of America made history by defeating Pakistan. They looked terrific from the beginning and did a great job carrying out their strategies to upset the current T20 World Cup in 2024. Although the batsmen played flawlessly throughout the first innings, Monank Patel’s team consistently took wickets, and there was a brief period when the game was close.

In the second inning, Monank gave the USA a strong start as they chased 160 runs. The captain didn’t help his team cross the finish line, but he did set an example by hitting a half-century. When he left, though, the match was mostly to the USA’s advantage. The game concluded on equal terms despite the hosts’ ability to maintain composure when things eventually became tricky.

Pakistan made a tremendous mess in the Super Over. Mohammad Amir, who gave up 18 runs, contributed to the Men in Green’s hopes. Multiple extras delivered by the elite pacer contributed significantly to Pakistan’s defeat. They were able to score 13 runs during the chase, but they ultimately fell by five runs. In Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, the United States of America presently leads the points table.

Speaking Points

1. Outstanding performance by the bowlers

The first innings saw outstanding bowling from the USA. While Saurabh Netravalkar conceded just 18 runs in his four overs and claimed two wickets, Nosthush Kenjige claimed the vital wickets of Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan. It was amazing how they contained the Pakistani batsmen and only allowed them to score 159 runs.

2. The captain guiding from the front

Monank contributed significantly to the USA’s victory and was outstanding that evening. He gave them the perfect start, which was just what they needed. Middle-order hitters later capitalised on the foundation he laid.

Also read: ICC updates Pakistan team hotel in New York moving five minutes from stadium

3. Pakistan lost the match because of Mohammad Amir

It’s never ideal to give up 18 runs in the Super Over, especially when it comes from a skilled pacer. He bowled several extras, putting Pakistan under pressure, which the USA used to their fullest advantage. For their running between the wickets, Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh should be commended greatly.

Who Said What?

The losing skipper, Babar Azam, said:

First 6 overs while batting we didn’t capitalise. Back to back wickets always put you on the back foot, as a batter you need to step up and build partnerships. We were not up to the mark in the first 6 overs with the ball. Our spinners also did not take wickets in the middle overs so these things cost us. Very hard, all credit to USA, they played better than us in all three departments. Little bit of moisture in the pitch, it was also two-paced. As a professional you need to assess the conditions.

Winning skipper and POTM Monank Patel said:

Winning the toss and the way we bowled in the first 6 overs, we took wickets and kept them quiet. We knew they will take chances after their partnership. We knew we were in the game with 160 to chase, just needed a partnership. Playing in a World Cup, you don’t get a chance to do it every year. We were fully committed every single ball.

It is a big achievement, beating Pakistan and that too playing (them) for the first time. It was a complete team effort. We won the toss and we made sure we utilised the conditions well, we did really well to keep them under 160. I am happy with my contribution and more happy that we won the game. We spoke about the top three contributing and happy that myself and Gous could do that.

The plan was to play proper shots and he (Gous) took the pressure off me. Happy to get the two points. As a batter and player you want to show off in the big games and I am happy that my knock came in a winning cause.