Pakistan clawed their way to a 7-wicket win against Canada and opened their account in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to keep their qualification hopes alive. Mohammad Rizwan led the record run-chase at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium with an unbeaten 53 as Pakistan overhauled the 107-run target with 15 balls to spare.
The difference: The middle overs
Even as Pakistan were looking for a big win to catch up with USA on the Net Run Rate, and couldn’t find ample big hits through the middle overs, the 63-run stand off 62 balls between Babar Azam and Rizwan ensured that Pakistan found themselves in a comfortable position to close the contest. In contrast, Canada scored 10 runs less and lost two additional wickets during this phase, which ensured that they couldn’t get the late flourish in their innings.
At the toss:
Babar Azam won the toss and elected to field. Pakistan included Saim Ayub, the hard-hitting opener, in place of the out of form Iftikhar Ahmad.
Canada
Powerplay: Canada make positive start
CAN: 30/2 (RR: 5.00; 5x4s, 0x6s)
On a pitch where run-making has been difficult, Aaron Johnson got going with a couple of boundaries against Shaheen Afridi. The aggressive approach continued against Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir as well before the latter eventually had Navneet Dhaliwal cleaned up with a brilliant incoming delivery. In the last over of the powerplay, Shaheen returned and had Pargat Singh dismissed with a delivery that rose awkwardly and caught the glove on its way to the slip fielder.
Middle overs: Pakistan bowlers control proceedings
CAN: 47/3 (RR: 5.11; 0x4s, 4x6s)
Canada were pegged back early when the in-form batter Nicholas Kirton was caught short of his crease courtesy a fine direct hit by Imad Wasim in the first over of the powerplay. In the 10th over, Haris Rauf dismissed Shreyas Movva and Ravindrapal Singh cheaply to further dent Canada. However, Johnson’s attacking play, which included four sixes enroute his half-century, ensured that the scoreboard kept moving. A couple of lousy efforts on the field by Pakistan also aided Canada’s cause. Looking to break the shackles in the 14th over against Naseem, Johnson was cleaned up.
Death overs: Canada lower order put up a fight
CAN: 29/1 (RR: 4.80; 2x4s, 1x6s)
With not much batting remaining, Canada cleverly played out the last six overs, cautiously turning the strike over and taking the odd risk. Saad bin Zafar, Kaleem Sana and Dillon Heylinger ensured that they played out the remaining overs and added some valuable runs to take the side to a competitive total even if marginally below-par.
Pakistan
Powerplay: Pakistan start slow in chase
PAK: 28/1 (RR: 4.67; 1x4s, 0x6s)
Despite being aided by a flurry of wayward deliveries, Pakistan failed to cash in on it adequately. After making a watchful start against Kaleem Sana’s moving deliveries and Jeremy Gordon’s pace, Saim Ayub departed getting an edge to the ‘keeper, soon after Dhaliwal spilt a chance at short fine leg. Canada took a review for a caught behind against Babar Azam early on, but couldn’t get the on-field umpire’s decision overturned.
Middle overs: Babar, Rizwan steady chase
PAK: 57/1 (RR: 6.33; 2x4s, 1x6s)
Despite trying several times to go down the track and hit the bowlers, Rizwan and Babar rarely succeeded. Nonetheless, they kept the scoreboard ticking with several singles and twos and went on to add 63 runs for the second wicket. The Canadian bowlers did manage to trouble the duo by keeping tight lengths even as the batters attempted to disturb it. However, the continued to spray a few deliveries in wayward lines which allowed them to pick some easy runs just when the pressure was on. Towards the end of the middle period, Babar was crammed with a length delivery which he edged to the ‘keeper.
Death overs: Rizwan ensures Pakistan’s cruise to the target
PAK: 22/1 in 2.3 overs (RR: 8.8; 0x4s, 1x6s)
Rizwan, who had batted through the powerplay and the middle overs often looking scratchy, took the attack to Junaid Siddiqui in the 16th over. The most promising of his attacks was an inside-out six through extra cover. With only three runs to win, Fakhar Zaman got a leading edge while looking to play Gordon through the line and was caught. Nonetheless, Usman Khan helped Pakistan over the line with a flick towards deep square leg which got him an easy two.
Brief Scores: Canada 106/7 in 20 overs (Aaron Johnson 52, Kaleem Sana 13*; Mohammad Amir 2-13, Haris Rauf 2-26) lost to Pakistan 107/3 in 17.3 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 53*, Babar Azam 33; Dillon Heylinger 2-18, Jeremy Gordon 1-17) by 7 wickets
