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T20 World Cup: Pakistan lodges its first win, defeats Canada by seven wickets
It was another game featuring players of the South Asian descent as was evident from the overwhelming presence of the community in the stands.
The players produced a terrific and sporting atmosphere in Nassau County, New York. / X/@T20WorldCup
After back-to-back defeats against the host USA and later India, Pakistan was at last on the winning way. Playing its third game of the T20 World Cup, and second successive at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the green shirts had little difficulty in disposing of the challenge of Canada by seven wickets with 15 balls to spare. It was another game featuring players of the South Asian descent as was evident from the overwhelming presence of the community in the stands.
Pakistan's win was spearheaded by wicketkeeper batsman Muhmmad Rizwan who remained unbeaten on 53 made from 53 balls with two boundaries and a hit over the fence. He was ably assisted by skipper Babar Azam (33 made from 33 balls with a hit each to and over the fence) as the two put on 63 runs for the second wicket partnership. Pakistan had lost opener Saim Ayub for five when the total was 20.
For Canada, it was its second defeat in three games. Both Canada and Pakistan are now at par with two defeats and a win each from three games each they have played so far. While Canada is left with a game against the pool leaders India, Pakistan has to play Ireland in what can provide a remote chance to qualify for the Super 8.
The host USA, who beat neighbors and traditional rivals Canada in the opener before causing a major upset in the tournament defeating Pakistan in the super over, need only a point from its remaining two games to move to the Super 8. The home team plays against India on June.12 which is being projected as “Mini India” vs India as the US team comprises of players who are mostly of Indian origin. The number of people of Indian origin in the US is about five million and many of them come out vociferously to support their team.
On June.11, Pakistan after losing Babar Azam, was beaming with confidence as Mohammad Rizwan remained in control. It lost its third wicket when Fakhar Zaman was sent back, caught and bowled by Jeremy Gordon for four. The remaining two Pakistan wickets were claimed by Dilon Heyliger.
Pakistan bowlers proved their mettle to restrict Canada to 106/7 in 20 overs. Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir (2 wickets each), Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf (one wicket each) bowled well for Pakistan as the Canadians, with the exception of opener Aaron Johnson, who put up a gallant fight and scored a well-deserved fifty. He made 52 from as many balls, hitting four hits to the maximum besides four hits to the fence. At the end, tail waged a battle as skipper Saad Bin Zafar scored 10 while Kaleem Sana remained unbeaten on 13 to give Canada a total past the three-figure mark.
Earlier, Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bowl against Canada in a must-win T20 World Cup Group A match. Pakistan made one change – replacing Iftikhar Ahmed with Saim Ayub. Having lost two games against USA and then against arch-rivals India, the Babar Azam-led side needed to beat Canada to have a chance to enter Super 8 phase. Even then, Pakistan would need other teams' result to go their way in order to advance.
How the remaining games go will decide the qualifiers for the Super 8 from this Group A.
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