After two defeats in their previous meetings, Pakistan went into match number 22 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York against an inexperienced Canadian team. After defeating Saad Bin Zafar and company, the Men in Green prevailed in their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2024, maintaining their aspirations of making it to the Super Eight.
Babar made a crucial decision to field first in a game that he had to win, which turned out to be crucial on a challenging pitch in New York. They gained two wickets in the powerplay off of Navneet Dhaliwal (4 off 7) and Pargat Singh (2 off 6), proving that their selection was correct.
As none of their batters could reach double digits, Canada was on the verge of a middle-order collapse. Aaron Johnson was their only batter, and his only goal was to stretch the innings in order to guarantee that his team would reach a manageable total. Johnson contributed 52 runs to Canada’s final score of 106/7 at the end of the innings. He hit four sixes and four boundaries in his 44-ball stay. After completing his term with 2/13, Mohammad Amir was the main ball-wrecker.
Retaliating to India at the same site a few days prior, Pakistan was resolved to chase down the low total and avoid making the same error twice. Even though Canada had an early advantage due to the removal of Saim Ayub, it was the crucial 63-run combination between captain Babar and Mohammad Rizwan that ultimately secured the deal for them.
1. Babar and Rizwan save Pakistan
Had Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan not forged that vital partnership, Pakistan would not have triumphed. Pakistan, on the other hand, has a history of rising from defeat to victory over the years. Rizwan scored 53 runs, smashing his 29th T20I half-century, while Babar, who was getting closer to his half-century, was out for 33 runs.
2. Canada presents a difficult path for itself to the Super Eight
After two losses, Canada needs to defeat India handily in their upcoming game in order to have a chance to move on to the Super Eight round. They won’t have it easy because their rival is riding high following their victory over Pakistan. The group will attempt to exert more energy, pay closer attention to details, and put up a more valiant battle.
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Here’s what losing skipper Saad Bin Zafar said:
Was a bit disappointing. The wicket was difficult to bat on. The Pakistani bowlers bowled well. We were about 25-30 short. We needed to get some early wickets. We don’t get to play high calibre teams. Johnson played well. Kirton’s run-out was crucial. Lot of positives to take from this game.’
Here’s what winning skipper Babar Azam said:
Good for us. We needed this win. Credit to team. We started well. If you take wickets with the new ball. We had NRR on the back of the mind. The first six overs are very crucial here. You assess after 6 overs. Then we tried to take on the spinners. We are going to go with the same mindset. The conditions at Florida should be better from here as well. I got out to the same shot. So, I was angry. I still try my level best.
Here’s what POTM Mohammad Amir said:
As a bowler, you have to adapt to any conditions. I was just trying to hit the right areas, the conditions were demanding. As a professional you’ve to be clear in your role, I know I have to bowl with the new ball and at the death, I’m ready for anything. I bowled the awayswinger for 3-4 deliveries, I then decided to swing it back in (on the dismissal of Dhaliwal). Much needed win, we’ve to win the next match and then who knows?
India
