Pakistan clinched their first win of the ICC T20 World Cup with a decisive seven-wicket triumph over Canada in the 22nd match at Nassau County International Stadium in New York on Tuesday.
This victory followed disappointing defeats to the USA and India. Batting first, Canada struggled to gain momentum and posted a modest 106 for 7 in their 20 overs.
Read more: T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan Faces Canada In Crucial Match Today
Aaron Johnson was Canada’s standout performer, scoring 52 off 44 balls with four boundaries and four sixes, but he lacked support from his teammates as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated.
Pakistan’s bowlers were instrumental in the first win, with Mohammad Amir named Player of the Match for his exceptional figures of 2 for 13 in 4 overs. Haris Rauf also took two wickets, giving away 26 runs in his spell. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah each took a wicket, and Imad Wasim executed a crucial run-out.
Canada’s Batting Summary:
Aaron Johnson: 52 (44)
Navneet Dhaliwal: 4 (7)
Pargat Singh: 2 (6)
Nicholas Kirton: 1 (6)
Shreyas Movva: 2 (9)
Ravinderpal Singh: 0 (2)
Saad Bin Zafar (c): 10 (21)
Kaleem Sana: 13* (14)
Dilon Heyliger: 9* (11)
Pakistan’s Bowling Statistics:
Shaheen Shah Afridi: 4-0-21-1
Naseem Shah: 4-0-24-1
Mohammad Amir: 4-0-13-2
Haris Rauf: 4-0-26-2
Imad Wasim: 4-0-19-0
Chasing a target of 107, Pakistan easily reached their goal in 17.3 overs. Mohammad Rizwan led the innings with an unbeaten 53 off 53 balls, ensuring a smooth chase. Captain Babar Azam added 33 runs from 33 balls, while Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman contributed 6 and 4 runs, respectively.
Canada’s bowlers made an effort to defend their low total, with Dilon Heyliger standing out by taking 2 wickets for 18 runs. Jeremy Gordon also took one wicket.
Pakistan’s Batting Summary:
Mohammad Rizwan: 53* (53)
Saim Ayub: 6 (12)
Babar Azam (c): 33 (33)
Fakhar Zaman: 4 (6)
Usman Khan: 2* (1)
Canada’s Bowling Statistics:
Kaleem Sana: 3-0-21-0
Jeremy Gordon: 3.3-0-17-1
Dilon Heyliger: 4-0-18-2
Saad Bin Zafar: 4-0-23-0
Junaid Siddiqui: 3-0-28-0