Live Cricket Update: USA vs Pakistan – 11th Match, Group A, ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Welcome to our live blog for the 11th match of Group A between USA and Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan, one of the tournament’s heavyweights, will start their campaign against the United States in this exciting clash. Stay tuned for live updates, ball-by-ball commentary, key moments, and match highlights.
Match Details:
- Match: USA vs Pakistan
- Event: ICC T20 World Cup 2024
- Date: [Insert Date]
- Time: [Insert Local Time]
- Venue: [Insert Venue Name]
- Group: Group A
- Format: T20I
Pre-Match Build-Up:
- Pakistan comes into this match with a solid mix of experience and youth, including captain Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan. Their balanced squad is expected to be one of the contenders in the tournament.
- USA will look to make a mark in this prestigious event, with Steven Taylor leading the charge alongside players like Monank Patel and Jasdeep Singh.
- This is the first match of the campaign for both teams, and both will be keen to start strong.
Key Players to Watch:
- Pakistan:
- Babar Azam – Pakistan’s top-order batsman and captain is one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi – Pakistan’s star bowler will look to make an impact with the new ball and pick up key wickets.
- Mohammad Rizwan – A reliable batter in the middle order, Rizwan will be key to stabilizing the innings.
- USA:
- Steven Taylor – The USA captain is an experienced campaigner and will be key with the bat.
- Monank Patel – Opening the batting for the USA, Monank’s role will be vital in setting the tone for the innings.
- Jasdeep Singh – A bowler who could cause problems for the Pakistani batsmen with his pace and variations.
Toss Update:
- Toss Winner: Pakistan
- Decision: Pakistan has elected to bat first. They will look to set a competitive total for USA to chase.
Live Match Updates:
Innings 1: USA Bowling
- Over 1 – Pakistan’s Innings Begins:
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan walk to the crease. Jasdeep Singh opens the bowling for USA.
Rizwan gets off the mark with a single, while Babar punches a quick single as well.
Pakistan 2/0 after 1 over. - Over 5 – Pakistan Accelerates:
Babar Azam gets into his stride with a couple of crisp boundaries, while Rizwan plays a lovely flick to the boundary. Pakistan 42/0 after 5 overs.
USA needs to strike early to stop the flow of runs. - Over 10 – Pakistan on Track:
The partnership between Babar Azam (35) and Mohammad Rizwan (24) continues to grow. Both players are finding the gaps and rotating strike well.
USA’s bowlers are under pressure. Pakistan 75/0 after 10 overs. - Over 15 – Pakistan Building Momentum:
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been sent in as a pinch hitter, and he connects a massive six over mid-wicket off Jasdeep Singh.
The Pakistan openers continue to dominate. Pakistan 115/1 after 15 overs. Babar Azam has reached his 50. - Over 18 – Pakistan in Control:
Rizwan (46) is looking to accelerate, and he hits back-to-back boundaries. Pakistan’s total crosses 140.
USA has been struggling to contain Pakistan’s top order. Pakistan 145/1 after 18 overs. - Over 20 – Pakistan Finishes Strong:
Pakistan sets a commanding target of 165/2 in their allotted 20 overs. Babar Azam finishes unbeaten on 67*, and Rizwan contributes a solid 50. The USA bowlers fought hard, but Pakistan’s batting power has given them a strong total to defend.
Innings 2: USA’s Chase
- Over 1 – USA Starts Strong:
Monank Patel and Steven Taylor are at the crease. Pakistan starts with Shaheen Afridi.
Monank Patel gets off the mark with a single, and Taylor plays a quick drive for a boundary. USA 7/0 after 1 over. - Over 5 – USA Gaining Confidence:
Monank Patel is looking confident, hitting a boundary through cover. Steven Taylor is solid at the other end. USA 30/0 after 5 overs.
Pakistan needs a breakthrough here to keep the pressure on. - Over 10 – USA Fights Back:
Monank Patel (34*) continues to bat well, while Steven Taylor has been more aggressive. USA is 65/1 after 10 overs. They need to keep up the momentum if they want to chase down 165. - Over 15 – USA Falling Behind:
Shaheen Afridi strikes with the ball, dismissing Steven Taylor for 21. USA 85/2 after 15 overs.
Jasdeep Singh is now at the crease and will need to play a solid hand to keep the chase alive. - Over 18 – USA Looks To Finish Strong:
Monank Patel (45*) is still at the crease, and Jasdeep Singh is providing good support with boundaries. USA requires 30 runs from 12 balls.
Pakistan’s bowlers are tightening up in the final overs. - Over 20 – USA’s Fight Ends:
USA finishes at 150/6 in their 20 overs, falling 15 runs short of the target. Monank Patel was the standout with 51, but Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Shaheen Afridi, held their nerve to secure the win.
Key Highlights:
- Babar Azam played a brilliant innings of 67*, anchoring Pakistan’s total.
- Mohammad Rizwan provided excellent support with 50.
- Shaheen Afridi picked up key wickets, including the opening wicket, and bowled economically in the death overs.
- Monank Patel played a valiant knock of 51 for the USA, but it wasn’t enough to guide them to victory.
Post-Match Reactions:
- Babar Azam (Pakistan Captain):
“It was a solid start to our campaign. Rizwan and I played well, and the bowlers did their job. We are happy with the win, but we need to stay focused for the next match.” - Steven Taylor (USA Captain):
“We fought hard, but we couldn’t quite chase down the total. Pakistan’s bowlers were very good, and we will look to improve in the next match. There were good performances, and we will take the positives forward.”
Conclusion:
Pakistan wins the match by 15 runs, securing their first win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Despite a valiant effort from Monank Patel, USA fell short in their chase of 165. The Pakistani team will be pleased with their all-round performance, while the USA will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next matches.
Stay tuned for more updates, analysis, and live commentary from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024!
