A clinical bowling performance spearheaded by Mohammad Amir (2-13) and Haris Rauf (2-26), along with a resolute unbeaten half-century from Mohammad Rizwan (53 not out), helped Pakistan secure a crucial seven-wicket victory over Canada in the preliminary round Group A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday. This win marked Pakistan’s first in the tournament, offering a glimmer of hope for their Super 8 qualification prospects.
Pakistan entered the match under significant pressure, having suffered two successive defeats against the USA and India. These losses had placed them on the brink of elimination, trailing behind three teams in Group A. The need for a victory was paramount to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Electing to field first, Pakistan’s bowlers quickly found their rhythm. Mohammad Amir delivered a tight spell, conceding only 13 runs in his four overs and taking two vital wickets. Haris Rauf complemented Amir’s efforts with a disciplined performance, capturing two wickets for 26 runs. Their combined efforts restricted Canada to a modest total, setting a manageable target for the Pakistani batsmen.
Chasing 106, Pakistan’s innings began cautiously, mindful of the importance of preserving wickets. Mohammad Rizwan anchored the chase with a steady and composed innings, ensuring there were no major hiccups along the way. His unbeaten 53 formed the backbone of Pakistan’s pursuit, as he found support from other batsmen to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Despite the slow start, Pakistan methodically built their innings. The occasional boundary and consistent singles kept the required run rate in check. Rizwan’s experience and calm demeanor under pressure proved invaluable, guiding Pakistan towards the target.
In the end, Pakistan reached 107/3 in 17.5 overs, securing the win with 15 balls to spare. This victory not only bolstered their position in Group A but also restored some much-needed confidence within the team. Pakistan’s performance against Canada has now put them in a position where other match results could favor their chances of progressing to the Super 8 stage.
The former champions will be keenly watching the remaining fixtures, hoping for outcomes that could see them advance further in the tournament. As the competition heats up, Pakistan’s resurgence against Canada serves as a reminder of their potential and resilience in high-stakes cricket.
A strong showing in the field allowed Pakistan to secure the crucial victory they desperately needed to keep their tournament hopes alive, although they may regret not winning more convincingly if they fail to secure a place in the next stage. Canada posted a total of 106/7 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to a brilliant half-century by Aaron Johnson. Johnson’s 52 off 44 balls, which included four boundaries and as many sixes, marked his eighth fifty-plus score in T20Is, setting a new record for Canada and surpassing Navneet Dhaliwal’s tally.
Pakistan entered the match with the knowledge that a win at the Nassau County International Stadium was imperative, and ideally by a substantial margin, to revive their campaign with one more group fixture remaining against Ireland. Mohammad Amir set the tone early, delivering a terrific ball that shattered Navneet Dhaliwal’s stumps and left Canada reeling at 20/1 after three overs.
Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi's Crucial Wickets Turn the Tide Against Canada
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had conceded ten runs in his first over, benefited from a change of ends and struck immediately, with Pargat Singh edging to Fakhar Zaman on the first ball from the other end, reducing Canada to 29/2 in the sixth over. A cascade of wickets ensued; Nicholas Kirton was run out after scoring a single, thanks to Imad Wasim’s quick reflexes, ending a promising partnership with Aaron Johnson. Haris Rauf further dented Canada’s innings by tempting Shreyas Movva to edge to wicketkeeper Rizwan, thereby securing his 100th wicket in T20 internationals.
Pakistan’s bowlers capitalized on their early breakthroughs and maintained tight lines, effectively containing the Canadian batsmen. Despite Johnson’s valiant efforts, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build partnerships and accelerate the scoring. This disciplined bowling performance left Pakistan with a manageable target.
With the ball, Pakistan’s clinical execution was matched by a composed chase. They approached the target methodically, ensuring they did not lose early wickets. Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 53 anchored the innings, providing the stability and assurance needed to steer Pakistan towards the target. Rizwan’s calm presence at the crease and his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike were pivotal in Pakistan’s pursuit.
Ultimately, Pakistan reached 107/3 in 17.5 overs, securing the victory with 15 balls to spare. This win not only revived their campaign but also injected much-needed confidence into the team. However, the relatively modest margin of victory could become a point of concern if net run rate comes into play for qualification to the next stage. With one more group match remaining against Ireland, Pakistan will need to maintain their winning momentum and possibly aim for a more decisive victory to bolster their chances of progressing in the tournament.
Ravinderpal Singh, the fresh batsman, edged to slip just two balls later, marking the 101st wicket. Despite Aaron Johnson’s valiant effort of scoring 52 off 44 balls, Canada found themselves at 55/5 by the conclusion of the tenth over.
In response, Pakistan had a slow start in the initial three overs. Saim Ayub, stepping in for Iftikhar Ahmed, attempted to accelerate but faced a scare when his lofted shot towards Dhaliwal was deflected away, narrowly avoiding dismissal. However, Saim’s innings ended in the fifth over as he edged Heyliger’s delivery to wicketkeeper Movva after contributing just 6 runs.
The experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then took charge, steering Pakistan towards victory with a 63-run partnership off 62 balls. However, Heyliger struck again, enticing Babar to edge behind for 33 runs, intensifying the challenge for Pakistan in the final five overs. Nonetheless, Rizwan remained composed and anchored the innings, finishing unbeaten on 53 runs. Despite a late wicket, with Fakhar holing out to the substitute fielder Dilpreet Bajwa with just three runs needed, Rizwan ensured Pakistan’s triumph.
In summary, Canada posted 106/7 in 20 overs, while Pakistan chased down the target of 107 runs in 17.3 overs, anchored by Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten half-century and supported by Babar Azam’s contribution of 33 runs. Pakistan emerged victorious by seven wickets, with Dilon Heyliger being the pick of the Canadian bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 18 runs.
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Pakistan can’t make it to Super 8 now, India & USA would make it for sure