The United States defeated Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over in a Group A match of the T20 World Cup in Dallas on Thursday.
Both teams scored 159 in the stipulated 20 overs before the United States, a non-Test nation, set Pakistan for 19 in the super over to win.
Pace bowler Saurabh Netravalkar kept his cool but Pakistan, runners-up in the 2022 T20 World Cup and winners in 2009, could only manage a fightback of 13 for 1.
Pakistan were restricted to 159-7 with India-born left-arm paceman Netravalkar, stepping up to bat in his first game of the tournament, managing just 2-18.
America’s innings ended in dramatic fashion with Nitish Kumar hitting a four off a full toss from Haris Rauf on the final ball to leave the co-hosts, who had beaten Canada in their opener, at 159 for three.
Pakistan veteran Mohammed Amir was entrusted with the Super Over but some flustered fielding led to a wild overthrow that helped the US reach 18 runs.
Netravalkar bowled a wide off the third ball of the Super Over but on the next delivery, Iftikhar Ahmed’s delivery was caught brilliantly in the deep by Kumar.
Then seven runs were needed off the last ball but Shadab Khan couldn’t get the six that would have forced a second super over.
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