Team Neemopani
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan run between the wickets during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup 2024 group A cricket match between Pakistan and Canada at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in East Meadow, New York, on June 11, 2024.
In a thrilling turn of events, Pakistan clinched their first victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 against Canada, ensuring their hopes remain alive for the Super 8 stage. The match, held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, saw the Green Shirts emerge victorious by seven wickets in what was a do-or-die situation for them.
After suffering back-to-back losses against the United States and India in their initial matches, Babar Azam and his team were under immense pressure to secure a win. Chasing a modest target of 107, Pakistan managed to cross the finish line in 17.3 overs.
The match began on a cautious note for Pakistan, as they struggled to find boundaries in the first four overs. Saim Ayub’s early departure for just six runs left Pakistan at a precarious 20-1 in 4.2 overs. However, the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan steadied the innings, forming a crucial 63-run partnership. Azam, who scored 33 runs, eventually fell, but Rizwan’s unbeaten 53 off 53 balls guided Pakistan to a much-needed victory.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers put up a stellar performance, restricting Canada to 106-7. Mohammad Amir set the tone by dismissing Canadian opener Navneet Dhaliwal for 4 runs in the third over. The bowling attack, featuring Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, dismantled the Canadian batting lineup with precision. Afridi’s breakthrough came with a caught and bowled dismissal of Pragat Singh in the fifth over, while Imad Wasim’s run-out of Nicholas Singh further compounded Canada’s troubles.
Despite a resilient effort from Aaron Johnson, who smashed three sixes on his way to a fighting fifty, the Canadian side could not build any substantial partnerships. Naseem Shah struck in the 14th over, leaving Canada reeling at 73/6. The innings concluded with Canadian skipper Saad Bin Zafar being dismissed for just 10 runs, courtesy of the relentless Pakistani bowling.
With this victory, Pakistan has set the stage for another high-stakes encounter. The national team needs to win their next match to secure a spot in the Super 8 stage, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. The Green Shirts will undoubtedly carry the momentum from this win into their upcoming fixtures, hoping to continue their journey in the tournament.
This win not only revives Pakistan’s campaign but also showcases their resilience and determination to perform under pressure. The cricketing world will be keenly watching as Babar Azam and his team fight to keep their World Cup aspirations alive.
