By Lawrence Booth and Oliver Salt
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The USA pulled off one of the biggest shocks in the history of the T20 World Cup with a stunning super-over victory against Pakistan in Dallas.
The Pakistanis needed 19 to win after Mohammad Amir had conceded seven in wides during the Americans’ super over, but left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed the big-hitting Iftikhar Ahmed and limited them to 13 – prompting wild scenes of celebration.
The result takes the USA top of Group A, following their opening-night victory over Canada, and in with a real chance of qualifying for the Super Eights.
Pakistan, meanwhile, face the prospect of an early elimination as they prepare for Sunday’s showdown with India in New York.
‘I’m really proud of the boys – it’s a big achievement,’ said USA captain Monank Patel, man of the match after scoring 50 from just 38 balls as his side chased 160 for victory.
USA pulled off one of the greatest cricketing upsets in recent memory after prevailing in a dramatic super over against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup
They looked down and out with 12 required from three balls, but Aaron Jones heaved Haris Rauf over wide long-on for six, then took a single, before Nitish Kumar hit the last delivery for four to force a memorable super over.
It was there where the hosts produced a sensational upset; racking up a superb 19 runs before shutting out Pakistan for 13 to claim a major scalp in the group stage.
USA now head into their third outing next Wednesday against India, another cricketing powerhouse, knowing they have what it takes to defy the odds.
Before the super over, USA only lost three wickets after openers Steven Taylor and Patel were caught for 12 and 50 respectively.
Andries Gous was bowled for 35, before Jones put up 36 and Nitish Kumar scored 14.
From a bowling standpoint, Nosthush Kenjige took three of seven wickets for USA on the day.
Saurabh Netravalkar took two, while Ali Khan and Jasdeep Singh also chipped in with wickets.
Aaron Jones’ late heroics helped USA force the super over in Texas on Thursday afternoon
It was there where the hosts produced a sensational upset; racking up a superb 19 runs before shutting out Pakistan for 13
Despite being one of USA’s top players, Netravalker does not ply his trade as a cricketer on a full-time basis.
Instead, the 32-year-old’s Linked In page states that he is a Principle Engineer for computer software company Oracle.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan lead the praise for USA on social media after their historic upset on Thursday afternoon.
‘Incredible performance by @usacricket,’ Vaughan wrote on X.
He then added: ‘A performance so far so typical of Pakistan cricket.. #PAKvUSA’
Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd
Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group
