In a pulsating contest at the Grand Prairie Stadium, the USA achieved a remarkable result in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, defeating ex-champions Pakistan by the smallest margin of five runs in a thrilling Super Over contest after the match was tied.
Opting to bowl, USA put up a good performance with the ball to restrict Pakistan to 159/7, but they chased down the target brilliantly to force the game into a Super Over. Nitish Kumar then smashed a boundary off the final ball from Haris Rauf to ensure a tie for USA, who reached 159/3 in their quota of 20 overs.
The Super Over did get close, with Mohammad Amir erring in line and conceding three wides, but Aaron Jones and Harmeet Singh made the most of the freebies, collecting 18/1 in six balls. After getting run out off the last ball, Jones helped set a target of 19 runs.
In a mood to relish the challenge, Saurabh Netravalkar held his nerves and allowed Iftikhar to strike a boundary. However, an edge and a couple of wides restricted him to four runs, USA getting over the line by five runs at Pakistan's score of 13.
This was the USA's second win in Group A, the first coming in their opening game against Canada. Meanwhile, after losing their previous game, Pakistan will now move on to face old foes India in the next encounter.
Chasing 160 for victory, USA was dealt an early blow with the departure of opener Steven Taylor, who scored 12. Monank Patel and Andries Gous then combined for a 69-run second-wicket stand to stabilize the chase. By the time skipper Patel moved to a chic fifty with assistance from Gous, USA was leading the contest before Pakistan's pace reinforced them. However, fine bowling spells from Nosthush Kenjige and Saurabh Netravalkar restricted Pakistan to 159/7.
In the end, it was a collective effort from the USA, both with the bat and ball, that secured their thrilling victory against Pakistan, making a significant statement in the tournament.
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