by Rex Clementine in Dallas
Hosts United States created one of the biggest upsets in the World Cup when they beat former champions Pakistan in a Super Over thriller here in Dallas on Thursday.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s bowling choices were puzzling. He had exhausted the overs of his two premier bowlers – Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah and had to fall back on Harris Rauf with fifteen runs needed in the last over.
Rauf was on the money in the first three balls but ended up serving a full toss in the fourth ball and that was duly dispatched for a six. With four runs needed to tie the game off the last ball, Rauf again sent down a full toss and that was cleared over the man at mid-off to send the game to a Super Over.
In the Super Over, again, Babar overlooked Afridi and Naseem and brought on Mohammad Amir and he failed to live up to expectations sending down three wides.
Pakistan were left with 19 runs needed to win the game in the Super Over but managed only 14 runs and went down stunning their fans to silence.
This is a major upset in T-20 World Cups and Pakistan will be under pressure leading into the epic encounter against arch-rivals India on Sunday.
Pakistan have made things tough for them now as even if they beat India, the run rate will come into the equation if USA beat Ireland.
Bombay born Saurabh Netravalkar was the hero for Pakistan finishing with two for 18 in his four overs. He also kept his nerve to help USA win bowling the Super Over.
It was captain Monak Patel, who steadied the USA innings with a half-century, The Gujarat born opener scored 50 off 38 balls with seven fours and one six.
