World T20 2024: United States vs Pakistan – Pakistan’s Batting Innings Analysis;
The Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, was buzzing with excitement as cricket fans gathered to witness the much-anticipated World T20 2024 United States vs Pakistan. With the United States winning the toss and opting to bowl first, all eyes were on Pakistan’s batting lineup to see how they would perform against an eager and determined American bowling attack.
The Inning Begins
Pakistan’s innings started with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam stepping up to the crease. Rizwan, known for his dependable batting, faced the first ball with cautious optimism. However, it wasn’t long before the American bowlers made their mark. Saurabh Netravalkar, the captain of the United States, made an early breakthrough by dismissing Rizwan for just 8 runs off 8 balls, caught and bowled. This early wicket set the tone for a gripping contest between bat and ball.
Babar Azam’s Steadfast Knock
Despite losing Rizwan early, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, anchored the innings with a commendable performance. Displaying his trademark elegance and composure, Azam scored a well-crafted 44 runs off 38 balls. His innings included some beautiful shots, showcasing his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike effectively. Azam’s dismissal came courtesy of Jasdeep Singh, who managed to get the Pakistan captain caught out. Azam’s contribution was crucial, providing stability in the face of falling wickets around him.
Middle-Order Struggles
The middle order of Pakistan struggled to build on the foundation laid by their captain. Usman Khan could only manage 3 runs before being dismissed by Nisarg Patel. Fakhar Zaman, known for his aggressive batting, showed glimpses of his potential with a quick 17 off 11 balls but fell prey to Jasdeep Singh’s bowling. Saud Shakeel’s stay at the crease was even shorter, as he was out for a golden duck, again to Nisarg Patel. This flurry of wickets saw Pakistan reeling and struggling to build momentum.
Azam Khan, trying to stabilize the innings, managed just 1 run before falling to Saurabh Netravalkar. Iftikhar Ahmed provided some resistance with an 18-run knock off 14 balls, but he too succumbed to Netravalkar’s clever bowling. Netravalkar’s ability to maintain pressure and take crucial wickets at regular intervals was pivotal for the United States.
Lower Order Contributions
The lower order saw Shadab Khan attempting to revive the innings with a brisk 26 off 18 balls. His efforts were valiant, but he found little support from the other end. Shaheen Afridi, primarily a bowler, could only add 2 runs before being dismissed by Netravalkar, who was on fire. Haris Rauf’s dismissal for a duck added to Pakistan’s woes.
Pakistan’s Total: 148 All Out
Despite the struggles, Pakistan managed to post a total of 148 runs, thanks in part to extras contributing 9 runs. The innings concluded with Naseem Shah remaining not out, a testament to the pressure exerted by the American bowlers. The fall of wickets was consistent, with the scoreboard reading 1-8, 2-44, 3-48, 4-65, 5-66, 6-87, 7-114, 8-135, 9-148, and finally, 148 all out.
United States Bowling Highlights
The standout performer with the ball for the United States was undoubtedly Saurabh Netravalkar. His exceptional spell of 4 overs, yielding 26 runs for 5 wickets, played a crucial role in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup. Netravalkar’s ability to strike at key moments turned the tide in favor of the United States. His wickets came at crucial junctures, preventing Pakistan from building any substantial partnerships.
Jasdeep Singh also contributed significantly with figures of 4-0-33-2, taking the important wickets of Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman. Nisarg Patel’s economical spell of 4 overs for 23 runs and 2 wickets provided additional support, ensuring the pressure on Pakistan was relentless. Ali Khan and Corne Dry, despite not taking any wickets, kept the run rate in check and maintained pressure from their end.
The Stage is Set
With Pakistan’s innings wrapped up at 148, the stage was set for the United States to chase down the target. The live win probability, standing at 77% in favor of Pakistan, reflected the formidable challenge ahead for the American batsmen. The Pakistani bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, would be keen to defend the total and start their World T20 campaign on a positive note.
The match at the Grand Prairie Stadium promises to be a thrilling encounter as the United States takes on the challenge of chasing down Pakistan’s total. Cricket fans around the world are eagerly waiting to see how this contest unfolds, with both teams having shown glimpses of their potential in the first half of the game. Stay tuned for an exciting finish to this captivating World T20 clash.
