Cricket

USA Stuns Pakistan in Super Over Upset at T20 World Cup 2024In a thrilling encounter at the T20 World Cup 2024, the United States pulled off a stunning Super Over upset against Pakistan on Thursday. The Group A match at Grand Prairie, Dallas, went down to the wire after both teams finished with identical scores of 159 in their standard 20 overs.Batting first in the Super Over, USA scored 18 runs against Pakistan's veteran left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir. Seven of those runs came through extras, highlighting Pakistan's poor fielding performance. In reply, Pakistan could only manage 13 runs, handing the victory to the United States.The match took a dramatic turn in the final over of USA's chase. With Pakistan needing to defend 11 runs, Amir advised captain Babar Azam to continue with pace bowling. However, Azam opted to bring on spinner Shadab Khan, who conceded 11 runs and allowed USA to tie the match.In the Super Over, USA's openers, Sushant Modani and Monank Patel, played aggressively and put pressure on Pakistan's bowlers. Amir's poor fielding also contributed to USA's success, as he dropped a catch and conceded a boundary.Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed disappointment after the loss, acknowledging that his team's performance in the first six overs and the middle overs with the ball cost them the match. He also noted the challenging pitch conditions, which favored pace bowling.The upset victory is a major boost for the United States, who are making their debut at the T20 World Cup. It also raises questions about Pakistan's form and their ability to compete with the top teams in the tournament.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign got off to a disastrous start with a shock Super Over defeat to USA, leaving captain Babar Azam visibly shaken and disappointed. Azam admitted that his team had underestimated their opponents, leading to a lackluster performance across all aspects of the game.Azam's post-match comments reflected the collective disappointment and frustration within the Pakistani camp. He acknowledged that the team's complacency had cost them dearly in a crucial tournament opener. However, his public criticism of his players did not go well with former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik.Karthik believes that a skipper should find ways to support his players, even in the face of adversity. He argued that Azam's comments in the press conference would undoubtedly demoralize the players ahead of their high-octane encounter against arch-rivals India on Sunday."As a leader, you need to find a way to be diplomatic in press conferences, somehow find a way to back your players," Karthik told Cricbuzz. "Inside the four walls of the dressing room, you can say what you want and have a go at a few people, but you need to find a way to back your players."Karthik pointed out that Azam's comments in the press conference would undoubtedly demoralize the players ahead of their high-octane encounter against arch-rivals India on Sunday."I fear Pakistan players reading it, which they will be, will feel he's 'letting us down'," Karthik said. "The way he's conducted himself at the field, having a go after the boundaries or his shoulders dropping, isn't a sign of a good leader."Karthik believes that Azam needs to find a way to find body language to suggest he's fine with whatever's happening, and they can come around. "Yes, showing disappointment is fine, but there's a way to show it where the players don't get even more nervous than they already are," he said.

Pakistan's Babar Azam has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by surpassing Virat Kohli as the leading run-scorer in T20 Internationals. This remarkable feat was achieved during Pakistan's T20 World Cup encounter against USA in Dallas.Before this match, Kohli held the record with 4038 runs from 118 matches. However, Babar's steady 44-run knock off 43 balls pushed his total beyond Kohli's, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. With this, the Pakistan captain now has 4067 runs to his name.Babar's journey to the top was marked by key moments in his innings. Despite Pakistan's challenging start, losing early wickets, Babar navigated through a tricky pitch and a determined USA bowling attack. His innings included three boundaries and two sixes, each stroke exemplifying his class and determination.Babar's ability to anchor the innings while accelerating at the right moments was on full display. His performance was a masterclass in balancing aggression with caution, a hallmark of his batting style.Rohit Sharma joined the elite club of 4000 T20I runs with his recent performance against Ireland. Meanwhile, Kohli, unfamiliar with New York's playing conditions, fell early for just one run against Ireland, missing the chance to extend his lead.India are set to face Pakistan for their second match of the T20 World Cup in New York on Sunday.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has expressed concerns about Babar Azam's leadership abilities and Pakistan's preparedness for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Latif believes that Azam lacks the experience and composure to handle the pressure of high-stakes matches, particularly against India.Latif also highlighted India's superior bowling attack, led by Kuldeep Yadav, as a key factor in their favor. He pointed out that Pakistan's bowling unit has been weakened by injuries and fitness issues, leaving them vulnerable in the middle overs.Latif criticized the timing of Gary Kirsten's appointment as Pakistan's head coach, arguing that he has not had enough time to build a rapport with the players. He also expressed admiration for Virat Kohli's popularity and his ability to inspire his teammates.Latif emphasized that Azam's growth as a captain depends on having a stronger supporting cast. He noted that Azam often lacks the support of his teammates, unlike Kohli, who has a more experienced and talented squad around him.Latif's comments raise questions about Pakistan's chances in the T20 World Cup. While they have a talented team, their lack of preparation and leadership concerns could hinder their progress. India, on the other hand, appears to be a more balanced and confident unit, making them the favorites in the upcoming clash between the two arch-rivals.

Pakistan, the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, are poised to make a strong run in the upcoming tournament in the United States. Despite a recent 0-2 series loss to England, the unpredictable Pakistani squad, led by Babar Azam, remains a formidable force.In a video released by the official broadcaster, key players expressed their excitement and determination to rectify the mistakes made in the previous edition, where they finished as runners-up to England.Babar Azam, the skipper, emphasized the team's thorough preparation and the unique excitement of playing in a major event. Shaheen Shah Afridi, the pace spearhead, acknowledged the novelty of the tournament's location in the US, expressing hope for a successful campaign.Mohammad Rizwan, the keeper-batter, recalled the team's disappointment in the previous final and their resolve to learn from their past mistakes. Naseem Shah, another pacer, highlighted the team's excitement for the new conditions and their desire to hold the trophy aloft.Azam Khan, the keeper-batter, expressed his joy at participating in his first World Cup and the unexpected opportunity to play in the United States.Pakistan's opening match against the US in Dallas on Thursday will set the tone for their tournament. However, their highly anticipated clash against archrivals India in New York on Sunday looms large, promising a thrilling encounter between two cricketing powerhouses.

Pakistan's T20 World Cup campaign kicks off on Friday against USA, but the match that has captured the attention of players and fans alike is the highly anticipated clash against archrivals India on June 9."The whole world waits for this," declared Pakistan skipper Babar Azam in an interview with Star Sports. Pakistan has a less-than-stellar record against India in T20 World Cup history, having lost six of the seven matches they have played. However, Azam believes that the outcome will ultimately depend on which team can control their nerves better on the day."It's a different kind of pressure, to control the nerves," Azam said. "You learn that from experience, the more you play...especially in Pakistan-India matches. That's a different vibe."India, meanwhile, made a strong start to their campaign, crushing Ireland by eight wickets in their opening group match. The two teams are joined in Group A by Ireland, USA, and Canada, with the top two teams advancing to the 'Super 8s'.Azam acknowledged the significance of the match against India, saying, "It's a big match and we always enjoy it." He also expressed his admiration for the Indian team, saying, "They are a very good team and we respect them a lot."The Pakistan skipper emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing their plans on the field. "We have to play our best cricket and not worry about the pressure," he said. "We have a good team and we believe in ourselves."The Pakistan-India match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to prove their superiority. The outcome could have a significant impact on the tournament standings and the path to the final.

Babar Azam's reinstatement as Pakistan's captain ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among fans and experts alike. The nation's premier batsman had resigned from captaincy in all formats after Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, less than a year later, Babar finds himself back in the hot seat, carrying the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.Ricky Ponting, one of the most successful captains in cricket history, believes that Babar's second tenure as captain could be more fruitful than his first. Speaking to ICC, Ponting emphasized that captaincy is not always suited to the best players. "Captaincy sits better with some players more than others," said Ponting. He stressed that captains need to focus not only on their own performance but also on the improvement of the entire team.Ponting believes that Babar may have been a victim of this during his first tenure. "Babar, when he first started, I had the feeling his numbers went down on the back of it," he said. However, Ponting believes that Babar may have learned from his first experience as captain, which could pave the way for success in his second term.Pakistan's form in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup has been far from impressive. However, with India waiting for them on June 9, Babar has a golden opportunity to prove that the Pakistan Cricket Board has made the right choice in backing him again.

The debate surrounding strike rates in T20 cricket continues to rage, with former Pakistan opener Salman Butt taking aim at critics who lack experience in international cricket. Butt's comments come in the wake of criticism directed at Virat Kohli and Pakistan captain Babar Azam for their perceived slow strike rates.Butt argues that strike rate is a result of a process, and that batters develop a muscle memory for responding to different deliveries over time. He criticizes those who have not achieved significant success in international cricket for commenting on strike rates, saying that they lack the necessary experience to make informed judgments.Butt also highlights the importance of adapting to different situations in T20 cricket. He notes that Babar Azam and Kohli are both capable of scoring quickly when necessary, but that they also recognize the value of building an innings and playing according to the conditions.Butt's comments echo those of Babar Azam, who recently stated that he cannot bat like younger players such as Saim Ayub, and that Ayub cannot bat like him. Azam emphasizes that each batter has their own strengths and weaknesses, and that it is important to play to their own abilities.Pakistan's consistent performance in T20 international cricket is a testament to their ability to adapt to different conditions and play to their strengths. They have reached the semi-finals of six out of eight T20 World Cups, and were runners-up in 2007 and 2022.Despite their success, Pakistan has faced setbacks in recent tournaments. In the 2022 T20 World Cup final, they lost to England after an injury to Shaheen Afridi forced them to use a spinner in a crucial over.Babar Azam acknowledges the mistakes that have cost Pakistan in recent tournaments, and says that the team is working to overcome them. He believes that Pakistan has the potential to win the T20 World Cup, and that they will be looking to make a strong showing in the upcoming edition of the tournament.

Pakistan's all-rounder Imad Wasim will miss the team's opening match of the T20 World Cup against the United States on Thursday due to a persistent side strain, according to captain Babar Azam. Azam stated that Wasim has not fully recovered from the injury and is under observation."The medical staff is monitoring him, and he will be available for the remaining matches in the World Cup," Azam told the media.Wasim, a seasoned T20 specialist, was brought out of retirement two months ago in anticipation of the World Cup. The selectors believed his bowling style would be effective on the slow pitches in the Americas.Along with Wasim, left-arm spinner Mohammed Amir was also selected for the ICC event, but both players have been used sparingly in the lead-up series against New Zealand, Ireland, and England."The pitches appear good for pace bowlers, and we have a very good pace attack, so the pitches seem good for us," said Azam.Azam emphasized that the team has no issues with the facilities provided at the venues in the USA."It is okay. We have no complaints and have seen all this before. Not playing any warm-up games before our first match could have been a problem, but we have come here after playing some cricket. It is not an issue for us," he said.Babar recently became the second batter after Virat Kohli to surpass the 4000-run mark in T20Is. Kohli leads the chart with 4037 runs, while Babar is a close second with 4023 runs.However, the 29-year-old Lahore native stated that his focus is not on individual records but on playing according to the team's requirements and the match situation."We are here to try to win the World Cup. I am not here thinking about personal records. What matters is that the team does well and we succeed in winning the World Cup. We have learnt from our past mistakes," he added.In a lighter vein, Babar said the pressure on him for tickets for the match against India was more than the match itself."They are so many people asking for tickets, the pressure is immense," he said with a smile.