USA vs Pakistan ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2024 Full Scorecard

FOUR! NITISH KUMAR HAS JUST PULLED OFF SOMETHING UNBELIEVABLE HERE! GUESS WHAT? THE GAME ENDS UP IN A TIE AND A SUPER OVER WILL FOLLOW! Haris misses his mark and bowls a knee-length full toss on off, Nitish Kumar cashes onto it and picks the bones out of it, and clears mid off for a boundary. What a cracker of a contest! Babar Azam is absolutely livid here and why not?

A well-executed yorker on the middle, Aaron Jones digs it out straight down the ground for a single. The fielders from long on and long off converge but just a single is taken. Are we going to have a super over here? Or can Nitish Kumar pull off a heist here?

SIX! AARON JONES, YOU BEAUTY! Haris Rauf gets his length wrong this time, and serves it right underneath the batter, on the stumps, Aaron Jones clears his front leg and flatly picks it over cow corner for a maximum. 6 in 2 balls now.

Low full toss on off, Nitish Kumar slices it away towards deep point for a single.

DROPPED! Could have been a massive wicket had Shaheen grabbed this! Fuller in length, pace on, outside off, Aaron Jones clears his front leg and slams it flatly in the air towards Shaheen Afridi who moves to his right and parries the ball towards mid on. A single taken.

Excellent bowling! Full length ball on leg, Nitish Kumar hits hard but gets no real timing on it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Haris Rauf has been handed the task of bowling the final over with the USA needing 15 runs off the last 6 balls. Can Aaron Jones be the hero for the USA again?

A low full toss on the middle, Nitish Kumar spanks it downtown, hard and with quick hands. The ball bullets down the ground where Iftikhar runs to his left and puts in a timely slide and succeeds to cut the ball before the ropes. He throws the ball towards the non-striker's end but by the time, they cross for the third.

The third umpire has been called into action for a boundary check. Iftikhar Ahmed is the man in question and he looks to be fine, sliding to his left. Three runs taken.

Slants it across off on a length, Nitish Kumar attempts a reverse scoop but misses to connect.

Well-attempted yorker on the stumps, Aaron Jones digs it out towards long on for just a single.

Very full and attacks the stumps, Aaron Jones digs it out straight to the bowler. Excellent death over bowling this from Pakistan.

A huge appeal for LBW and Amir convinces his skipper to challenge it and sends it upstairs. Mohammad Amir guns it right on the front toe of the batter, Nitish Kumar fails to connect and the ball pings his front boot. UltraEdge shows that no bat is involved but the Ball Tracking saves Nitish Kumar as the impact is outside leg. Only a leg bye then.

Is that out? Mohammad Amir is convinced that he has trapped Nitish Kumar right in front of the stumps and Babar Azam takes the review. The front-on replays indicate that the ball has pinged Jones on the front pad and the impact seems to be outside leg. There is nothing on UltraEdge and as expected, the impact is outside leg. Pakistan have lost both their reviews now.

Over the wicket, pace off outside off, Aaron Jones plays a one-handed stroke towards long on for a single.

Mohammad Amir has been handed the ball for the penultimate over. With 21 runs needed off the last 12 balls, the USA will need runs to flow from both ends, and Nitish Kumar, who has struggled so far, will need to find the fence in this over here.

Tries to be innovative there! No damage done whatsoever. Shaheen attempts to york it up but misses his mark and ends up with a full toss on the middle, Aaron Jones shuffles to the off stump and tries to play the scoop shot but gets a thickish inside edge towards the point region. Just a single then.

A low full toss on the middle, Nitish Kumar picks it up from the toe-end of the blade, gets it over covers for a single.

Yorker on off, swinging away, Nitish Kumar looks to hit it through the off side but misses.

Cannons a sharp yorker on the middle stump line, Aaron Jones manages to squeeze it out near the stumps and hurries to fetch a quick single. Shaheen Afridi runs ahead to the striker's end, picks up the ball and hits the stumps at the striker's end. The TV replay shows that Nitish Kumar is well home. NOT OUT appears on the giant screen.

FOUR! Jones says Thank You! Offers a friendly full toss on the knees, on off, Aaron Jones lifts it over covers with comfort and gets a crucial boundary.

Around the wicket on a fuller length, nipping away, Aaron Jones fails to dig it out and the ball beats his outside edge. Crucial, crucial dot ball.

Naseem doesn't give anything from this over! Bowls it full and on the leg, Aaron Jones drives it down to long on for a single. Just 6 from this over. 28 needed off the last 18 balls.

Cannons a yorker on the leg stump line, Nitish Kumar clears his front leg and hits it hard down to long on for a single. Just a few singles in this over so far.

Full and straight on off and middle, Aaron Jones hits it off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Over-the-head-slower-bumper outside off, Aaron Jones gets deceived by the pace off and misses to connect the pull shot. Wide given anyways as the ball passes over his head. Naseem is not happy with the decision at all.

Angles it on the pads on a good length, Nitish Kumar swipes across the line and hits it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Hits the deck hard, on the top of off, Nitish Kumar hops and knocks it solidly back to the bowler.

Nips a shade away from off, on a hard length, Aaron Jones slashes it through cover-point for a single at deep extra cover.

Leg-break on the shortish length, on off, Aaron Jones knocks it off the back foot towards extra covers for a single. A pressure-releasing over for USA, courtesy Aaron Jones. USA need 34 off 24 balls now.

Slower through the air, short and on the pads, Aaron Jones tucks it to the leg side.

SIX! There's his favorite shot! Drops it underneath the bat, on full and middle, Aaron Jones slogs it strongly over deep mid-wicket for a maximum.

Tossed up, full and on leg, Aaron Jones sits for a slog sweep but mistimes it towards deep backward square leg for brace.

Drops it full and on the middle, Nitish Kumar drives with the spin towards long on for a single.

Bowls it into the blackhole on stumps, Aaron Jones clears his front foot and slaps it to long off for a single.

Time for spin as Shadab Khan (2-0-16-0) comes back into the attack.

Lands it on off and middle, on a good length, Aaron Jones knocks it square of the wicket to deep point and retains the strike with a single. Back-to-back successful overs for Pakistan and the required rate for the USA has crept up to 9 with them needing 45 runs off the last 5 overs.

This is on a back of a length, around off, Aaron Jones hops back and punches it to the left of deep point for a couple of runs.

Into the wicket and it is over off, Aaron Jones tries to play the upper-cut but misses.

Takes pace off and lands it on a good length, on off, Nitish Kumar waits on it and dabs it square to deep point for a single.

Beats the bat of Nitish Kumar right away! Hits the deck hard and gets the ball to zip through, on off, Nitish Kumar plays away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge. Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Amir thought they heard something but the UltraEdge confirms that there was no bat involved.

Nitish Kumar is in at number 5.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Oh, no! What have you done, Monank Patel? Tries to put Amir under pressure on the first ball of the over but it does not quite come off for him. One brings two for Pakistan and they have their tails up now. Steams in from over the wicket, on a good length, angling away, outside off, Monank Patel shimmies down the track and tries to go back over the bowler's head. Gets a feather on it and it is snaffled safely by the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan. End of a fine knock though by the USA skipper.

Play and a miss! A hint of away shape, outside off, on a short of a good length, Aaron Jones does not need to but he fiddles at the delivery away from his body. He is lucky not to nick this one behind.

FOUR! Lucky boundary but Aaron Jones is away! Bowls it on a good length, in the channel on off, no foot movement from Aaron Jones as he pokes at the delivery. Gets an inside edge that races down to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Angling in, on a back of a length again, Aaron Jones is unable to free his arms but gets the shot away, only to find backward point again.

Lands it on a back of a length, on off, Aaron Jones stands tall and chops it on the bounce to backward point.

THREE WIDES! Adrenaline rush getting the better of Rauf there. Slips in a full delivery, way down leg, Aaron Jones misses the tickle. Mohammad Rizwan dives to his left but fails to gather it cleanly. The ball brushes his gloves and rolls behind for a coulple of runs.

At 136.8 kph, on a hard length, on off, Aaron Jones does not move his feet much and does just enough to cover the line of the ball and keeps it out on the leg side.

The man in-form, Aaron Jones strides out at number 4.

OUT! CASTLED! Haris Rauf breaks through for Pakistan! Rauf has made it happen and Pakistan will hope to build on this scalp now. Hits the deck hard and bowls it around the off-stump line, Andries Gous stays leg side of the ball and shapes up to dab it square of the wicket on the off side. The ball nips back in and sneaks past the inside edge before going on to hit the top of the off-stump. End of a useful hand by Gous.

Haris Rauf (2-0-16-0) is back into the attack.

Three dots by Shaheen to get out of the over but the damage has been done. Attacks the stumps with a fullish delivery, Monank Patel drives it straight bat back to the bowler. Shaheen turns around and has a shy at the bowling end but Monank never left the crease.

Half a shout for caught behind but turned down! There was a noise but it seemed to be the bat hitting the turf. Switches to around the wicket and hurls it on a fullish length, outside off, Monank Patel reaches out to access the off side but fails to get any bat on it.

Gets the yorker in, on off, Monank Patel jams it out on the off side watchully.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! Monank Patel gets to his FIFTY in style! The USA skipper leading from the front in a crucial run chase for his side. Shaheen serves it on a length, on off, Monank Patel gets on the front foot and shows the full face of the bat. Lofts it back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

FOUR! Up and over! Digs it in short, on off, Monank Patel takes the challenge on as he gets on his toes and slaps it over mid off for a boundary.

Swing and a miss! Pitches it up to the batter, angling away, outside off, Monank Patel uses his feet to go over covers but fails to connect.

Shaheen Afridi (2-0-16-0) replaces Naseem Shah. Also, the change of ball is called as this one seems to have lost its shape and stitch off the seam. The on-field umpire selects another one and we are good to continue.

At the batter, much fuller, played with a straight bat back to the bowler by Gous. 10 runs off the over.

Comes from around the wicket and gives the ball air, full and on leg, Monank Patel drills it on the bounce to long on for one.

FOUR! Two in two but this is even better by the USA skipper! Iftikhar bowls it fuller and slower, on off and middle, Monank Patel backs away and goes inside out over cover for yet another boundary.

FOUR! A valiant effort from Haris Rauf but in vain! Fires it in, short and flat, on off, Monank Patel punches it through covers. Haris Rauf at long off, runs across and slides to his left but fails to cut it off despite the dive. A 50-run stand comes up between the two.

Slows it up and entices the batter into the big shot, on a length, outside off, Monank Patel makes room to go over cover but misses out.

Starts off on a nagging length, on off, Andries Gous punches it to wide long off for a single.

In the air...but safe! On a shortish length, on off and middle, Andries Gous goes for the pull but the ball gets big on him and hits the splice of the bat. Luckily for him, it lands well in front of long on for a single.

USA's batting has looked quite organized as they have played risk-free cricket until now.

WIDE! Goes into the wicket and it is slower as well, on off, Andries Gous sways away from the line of the ball and sees the ball go over his head for a wide.

Lands it on a hard length, on off, Monank Patel drives it on the up to the right of deep cover. They cross.

At 141.8 kph, on a length, on off, Andries Gous punches it down the track and the ball bounces over Naseem, allowing the batters to take one.

Takes pace off and goes full as well, on off, Andries Gous drives firmly but straight to mid off.

FOUR! Short and punished! Naseem digs it in short but it is not short enough, on middle, Andries Gous takes this one off the front foot and pulls it aerially to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

Bowls it on a good length, just outside off, Andries Gous watchfully lets it go through to the keeper.

Drinks break! The USA are going along nicely in their pursuit of 160 runs. Andries Gous and Monank Patel are looking assured out in the middle and have mixed caution with aggression to tick along. As for Pakistan, they find themselves right behind the eight ball here, failing to tighten the screws, nor have they managed to pick up timely wickets. They will be hoping that this break in play brings about a wicket for them to claw their way back into the game.

Lands it short in length, at 91.2 kph, Andries Gous punches it solidly off the back foot towards long on for a single to end the over. Halfway of the chase done, USA are cruising gently at 76/1. They need 84 runs off the last ten remaining overs.

Drags his length, bowls a leg-break on a shorter length on middle, Monank Patel goes deeper in the crease and tucks it away to deep backward square leg for a single.

Drifts it on the leg stump, keeps the length full, Andries Gous drives it along the ground to long on for one.

Yorker on the stumps, Andries Gous gets forward and pushes it back to the bowler.

SIX! Clean as a whistle and Gous gets applause from his skipper from the other end! In the slot, flighted on the off stump, Andries Gous strides forward, extends his arms and spanks it downtown for a biggie.

Drops a leg-breaker on the middle, and fuller in length, Monank Patel leans ahead and drives it past covers for a single.

WIDE! Sprays it down leg, on fuller length, Monank Patel sits down to sweep it away but misses. Wide given.

FOUR! Class written all over it! Fires in a hard length ball, on the top of off, Andries Gous drives it on the up and beats the point fielder for a boundary. A perfect textbook square drive.

Angles the ball on the pads, on a length, Monank Patel transfers the weight on the back foot and wrists it through mid-wicket for another single.

Straight, full and on off, Andries Gous covers his off stump and drives it along the ground through the covers and jogs for an easy single.

Bangs a slower bumper on the bodyline, Monank Patel waits for it and pulls it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Gets that extra bounce from outside off, Monank Patel tries to ramp it up using the pace but the ball gets heavy on him and whizzes past his willow through to the keeper.

Excellent running! Hard length, attacking the off-pole, Monank Patel drives it on the up through covers and hurries back for the second seeing the fielder lazily getting onto the ball. Good presence of mind there by these two.

A googly, full and outside off, Andries Gous goes for an expansive cover drive but gets beaten on the inside edge. A decent over from Shadab, just 5 from it.

Short and on middle, Monank Patel punches it down to long on for a single.

Drags his length, turns it on off from middle, on a length, Andries Gous goes back and across and dabs it towards long on for a single.

Leg-break, on off, turning away a shade from off, Andries Gous plants his front leg ahead and blocks it off.

Fuller in length, on the stumps, Monank Patel works it along the carpet to long on for one.

Flighted ball around off, full in length, Monank Patel strides ahead and drives it past cover-point for a couple of runs. Iftikhar Ahmed from deep point runs and cuts the ball before the ropes.

Back of a length, angling in on middle, Andries Gous defends it to the leg side. Haris Rauf runs to his right and stops the ball.

Fuller in length outside off, Andries Gous drives it in front of square where Shadab Khan stops the certain boundary and saves four for his team.

FOUR! A good valiant attempt in the deep, all in vain! A friendly half-volley on off, Andries Gous gets on his front foot and creams the cover drive past covers for a boundary. The fielder from deep point sprints to his right and slides, even gets his hand to it but eventually parries the ball to the fence.

Fires in a fuller length ball, outside off, Andries Gous plants his front foot ahead, gets in line of the ball, and conventionally drives it through cover-point for a brace.

Back of a length, this one keeps a bit low, on middle, Monank Patel hops and dabs it in time towards widish mid-wicket for one.

Hits the shortish length, on off, Monank Patel gets squared up and outside edges it towards point where the fielder stops it on a single bounce diving to his left.

Low full toss outside off, Andries Gous drives it in front of the square but finds the fielder at cover. Poweplay done, USA are 44/1.

FOUR! How good is that? Good length, around the top of the middle and off, Andries Gous stands tall and drags it through deep mid-wicket for a boundary. Masterfully played.

Pitches it up does Naseem, outside off, Andries Gous leans and drives it to covers.

On a length, outside off, at 136 kph, Andries Gous pushes it to cover.

FOUR! EDGED BUT SAFE! Naseem bowls it on a length, around the fourth stump line, Andries Gous goes for a straight drive but the ball nips away a shade and takes the thickish outside edge that drops just short of first slip where Iftikhar Ahmed is late to react. The ball guns down to the fence at deep third.

Andries Gous walks out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Finally, a breakthrough for Pakistan and Naseem strikes! Naseem Shah steams in from over the wicket, hits the deck hard, the ball nips away with the angle from off, Steven Taylor plays inside the line of the ball looking for a front foot drive. The ball takes the outside edge and Mohammad Rizwan dives towards his left and takes a stunning catch.

Attacks the stumps, on a hard length, Steven Taylor gets rushed as he looks to keep it out. Gets an inside edge that rolls to the right of the keeper for a single.

Length delivery, angled into the pads, Steven Taylor rolls his wrists and works it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Slants it into the pads again, on a length, Steven Taylor shapes up to whip it away with the angle but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Angling in, on a good length, clipped straight to mid-wicket by Steven Taylor.

Sloppy! Rolls his fingers over the side of the ball and lands it on a good length, on middle, Monank Patel waits on it and dabs it towards backward point where the fielder fumbles and concedes a run.

FOUR! Top shot! Amir goes short but the line is around leg, Monank Patel gets on top of the bounce nicely and pulls it through backward square leg for a boundary.

Mohammad Amir (1-0-8-0) switches end and is back into the attack.

Cries of 'catch it' but it clears the man! Naseem goes into the wicket, over middle, Monank Patel gets himself into an awkard position and gets into two minds for the pull. Luckily for him, the ball clears the man at mid-wicket. They cross.

Good early call! Serves it on a good length, on the off-stump line, Steven Taylor defends it close to his body and gets across quickly as the ball rolls in front of cover.

Aims the stumps, on middle and full, Monank Patel clips it towards deep square leg for a single.

Straight and full on the stumps, Monank Patel mistimes the straight drive off the inside half of the bat to the bowler.

Pitches it up, on off, Monank Patel drives well but picks out the man at mid off.

Starts with a full delivery, on off, Steven Taylor advances down the track for the drive but gets an inside edge to short fine leg. Monank Patel calls him through and although Taylor is late to set off, he makes his ground at the bowling end.

Naseem Shah replaces Mohammad Amir.

A big, big shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head. Babar Azam has a word with the bowler and the keeper and takes the review. The ball pitching outside leg might have saved Monank Patel there. And yes, as expected, it has indeed pitched outside leg on Ball Tracking. This was bowled on a back of a length, shaping back in, on middle, Monank Patel played all around it and got struck right in front of the stumps. Luckily for him, it pitched outside leg. Pakistan lose their review.

FOUR! Nothing fortuitous about this one! Low full toss, outside off, Monank Patel leans onto the drive and creams it through extra cover for a classy boundary.

EDGED AND FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for the USA skipper! Shaheen pitches it up, on off, Monank Patel shapes up for the straight drive but does not account for the angle. The ball catches the outside edge and flies through the gap between the keeper, Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed, standing at a wide slip. It was closer to Iftikhar than it was to Rizwan but the former did not make any attempt.

WIDE! Bangs it on a hard length but the line is down leg, Monank Patel misses the tickle. Wide given.

A fumble and the batters cross over. Lands it full, on off, Steven Taylor shows the full face of the bat and firms the drive to Amir at mid off who lets it through his legs and concedes a single.

Swing and a miss! Width on offer on off, fuller in length, Steven Taylor's eyes light as he sees the width and looks to go back over the bowler's head but connects with thin air.

Angles it on a hard length, on middle, Steven Taylor covers the line of the ball and defends it out solidly.

This is just outside off, on a good length, Monank Patel goes for the drive but miscues it off the inner half of the bat back to the bowler.

FOUR! Monank Patel is away, albeit in a streaky fashion! Angling away, on a length, outside off, Monank Patel skips down the track to force it through the off side. Gets it off the toe-end of the bat but it goes wide of backward point for a boundary. Monank has damaged the bottom part of his bat and needs a replacement.

Attacks the stumps, on a nagging length, swinging back in, Monank Patel is late to pick it but does well to keep it out on the leg side.

WIDE! Errs in line does Amir as he bowls it full but way down leg. Monank Patel misses to help it away. Wide given.

Beaten! Going across the right-hander from over the wicket, on a back of a length, Monank Patel goes after it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Good stop! Going away from the left-hander, on a length, Steven Taylor looks to drive it through the off side but gets a thickish outside edge that goes on the bounce to backward point. Shadab Khan dives to his left and keeps it down to one.

Much better from Amir as this is in the channel on off, on a good length, shaping away, left alone by Steven Taylor.

WIDE! Pakistan cannot afford this! Amir overcorrects and slips it way beyond the wide guideline on off, on a back of a length.

WIDE! A wayward start from Amir! Steams in from over the wicket and tries to angle it back into the left-hander but drifts down leg.

Mohammad Amir to operate from the other end for Pakistan.

Has Monank Patel been strangled down the leg side? Babar Azam has a chat with the bowler and the keeper before opting out of the review. No wide signalled by the umpire, so, it might have come off the pads. Shaheen serves it too straight, full and on the pads, Monank Patel misses the tickle as Mohammad Rizwan gathers it cleanly moving away to his left.

Shaheen gets the length wrong as the attempted yorker comes out as a full toss, at 136.3 kph, at the stumps, Monank Patel gets caught by surprise a bit and watchfully nudges it to mid-wicket.

Good early call and they make it. Keeps it full again, on off, Steven Taylor leans on it and pushes it wide of cover before calling Monank Patel through for a quick single.

FOUR! A gift for Steven Taylor to open his account! Shaheen misses his mark as he serves a low full toss, around off, Steven Taylor powers the drive through covers for a boundary.

WIDE! USA are underway with an extra! Shaheen gets a good away shape but the line is beyond the tramline on off. Steven Taylor lets it go for a wide.

Pulls the length back and bowls it in the channel on off, Steven Taylor is taken aback slightly by the extra bounce but adjusts well to drop his wrists and lets the ball go.

Gets good shape right away! Begins from over the wicket and pitches it right away, swinging away, on off, Steven Taylor looks to drive it down the ground but gets it off the outer half of the bat to backward point.

Yes, he can. Just a single to end the Pakistan innings. Nails the yorker tailing back in, on middle and leg, Shaheen Afridi can only squeeze it out to long on for a run. 10 runs off the last over take Pakistan to 159.

SIX! IN THE ARC AND OUT OF THE PARK! Ali Khan goes searching for the yorker as he charges in from around the wicket. It comes out as a slot ball and Shaheen Afridi does not miss out. Right in the wheelhouse for Shaheen who swings through the line and hits it over the sightscreen for a maximum. Ali Khan knew it as soon as he released it. Can Ali close out well here?

WIDE! Digs it in short but the line is down leg. Ali Khan is lucky to get away it. Some bat on it and it would have been a boundary but Shaheen Afridi fails to connect on the swivel-pull.

Around off on a fuller length, Haris Rauf swings hard in the air and the ball just falls ahead of long on for a single.

Gets the yorker in, outside off, Shaheen Afridi jams it out wide of cover and takes a single.

Swing and a miss! Bangs it away on a hard length, on off, Shaheen Afridi heaves across the line but misses as the ball flies over his bat.

Oh, what happened there? Ali Khan bends his back and digs it in short, over off, Shaheen Afridi stays deep in his crease and swings to get the pull shot away, The ball sails over his bat. The keeper, Monank Patel releases an underarm throw towards the bowler but it flies over the head of Ali Khan who fails to gather it. The batters sneak in a couple of runs but the umpire deems that the ball was dead by then and Pakistan do not get the two runs.

Ali Khan (3-0-20-1) to bowl the final over of the first inning.

Goes straight up but luckily for Shaheen Afridi, it lands in no man's land! Delivers it on a good length, in the corridor of off, Shaheen Afridi gets down and stays low to make the connection as he looks to go back over the bowler's head. Skies it high in the air but it falls in the vacant mid on region. They cross. Netravalkar gets out of the over well after going for six on the 3rd ball, conceding just 3 singles from the next 3 balls.

Gets away it does Netravalkar! Low full toss, angling away, outside off, Haris Rauf loses his shape and hacks it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for just one.

Drags the length back and keeps it away from the hitting arc, near the tramline on off, Shaheen Afridi reaches out and drags it down to long on for a single. 8 runs off the first 4 balls.

SIX! A gift and Shaheen Afridi accepts it gleefully! Pakistan need many more of these. Saurabh Netravalkar gets it horribly wrong as he dishes out a juicy full toss, outside off, Shaheen Afridi brings his long levers into play and spanks it over wide long on for a biggie.

Serves it on a good length, on off, Haris Rauf drives it nicely to the right of cover for a single.

Haris Rauf is in at number 9.

OUT! TRAPPED PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it? Iftikhar Ahmed has sent it upstairs. The front-on replays show that Iftikhar Ahmed got stuck on the front pad before it went on to hit the back leg and the impact from over the wicket might well be outside leg. Saurabh Netravalkar went searching for the yorker but it came out as a low full toss, on leg, Iftikhar Ahmed sat down to heave it away but failed to get any bat on it. The Ball Tracking shows three reds and Iftikhar Ahmed will have to make the long walk back. A big dent in Pakistan's chances of finishing on a high as Iftikhar departs.

Saurabh Netravalkar (3-0-8-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Good stop! Delivers it on a yorker length, on off and middle, Shaheen Afridi smacks it hard down the deck but Ali Khan reacts well in his follow through and gets his left hand to it to make the stop. Just 7 runs off the over.

Ali is bowling to the field here against the dangerous Iftikhar Ahmed. With a deep backward point in place, gets the yorker in, outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed gets his bat down and digs it out wide of cover for one.

Changes his angle as he comes from around the wicket and serves it on a fullish length, outside off, Shaheen Afridi jams it out wide of cover for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Ali misses his mark and dishes out a low full toss, on middle, Shaheen Afridi clears his front leg and hacks it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Pitches it right up to the batter, outside the line of the leg stump, Shaheen Afridi swings across the line but fails to connect and gets hit on the pads. An optimistic shout for LBW but it pitched way outside leg.

Steams in from around the wicket and nails the yorker near the tramline on off, Iftikhar Ahmed reaches out and squeezes it out to deep backward point for one.

Ali Khan (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.

Drags the length back and it is quicker as well, on middle, Shaheen Afridi shapes up for the big shot on the leg side but the ball is not full enough for him to get underneath it. Hits him near the sticker of the bat and it dies down on the wicket.

Honing in at the stumps from over the wicket and keeps it full, Shaheen Afridi plays it back to the bowler with a straight bat.

Floats it up, full and angling in, on off, Iftikhar Ahmed drives it to the left of long off where Harmeet Singh runs around and keeps it down to one.

Takes pace off slightly and goes fuller as well, in the channel on off, Iftikhar Ahmed has a tentative prod at it, only to be beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! You cannot afford to offer width to Iftikhar Ahmed! Too short and wide on off, Iftikhar Ahmed latches onto the width quickly and cuts it behind square on the off side for a boundary.

Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a short of a good length, on middle, Shaheen Afridi gets inside the line and tickles it down to short fine leg for a single.

Corey Anderson is introduced into the attack for the first time.

Serves it on a back of a length, around off, Shaheen Afridi waits back in his crease and steers it down to deep third for a single.

Shaheen Afridi comes out at number 8.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! A loud shout and up goes the finger! This looks dead-straight but Babar Azam takes the review, after having a word with Iftikhar Ahmed. Jessy angles it on a good length, on middle, Babar Azam looks to clip it off the front foot but plays all around it. The ball nips back in off the deck, sneaks past the inside edge to ping Babar on the front pad. There is nothing on UltraEdge and it is three reds on Ball Tracking. Jessy Singh fights back in grand style after being taken for 12 runs off the first 4 balls. Having been there from the start, Pakistan needed Babar to bat through on a wicket that did not look to be easy for the batters to hit the long ball from ball one.

Lands it on a hard length, on off, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it from the crease in front of cover for a single.

FOUR! Nicely placed! Takes pace off does Jessy but offers width on off, on the back of a length, Iftikhar Ahmed waits for the ball to arrive and opens the bat face at the last moment to get it past the diving fielder at backward point for a boundary.

Hurls it on a good length, on off, Babar Azam drops it with soft hands wide of point for a single.

SIX! Cracking shot and Jessy Singh under pressure straight away! Bangs it on a shortish length, outside off, Babar Azam gets on his toes and rides the bounce well before slapping it over deep point for a biggie.

Flighted full and on off, Iftikhar Ahmed drives it straight to point.

Fuller in length this time, outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it to the off side.

Good length, on leg, Babar Azam punches it off the back foot toward cover-point for a single.

FOUR! Poor and rightly punished this time! Fraction short and on off, Babar Azam goes quickly deep into the crease and pulls it hard through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary.

Good length, on the pads, Babar Azam again misses the tuck and hits the pad.

Drifts it down leg, on a good length, Babar Azam looks to tuck it away but misses. Wide.

Good length, on leg, Babar Azam goes to flick at it but gets hit on the pad.

FOUR! Streaky but will do for Iftikhar Ahmed! Bowls it full and just around off from over the wicket, Iftikhar Ahmed gets ahead and frees his arms at it trying to get it through the covers but the ball takes the outside edge instead and bullets down to the right of the leaping wicket-keeper for a boundary at deep third.

Short, wide of off, Babar Azam climbs on the bounce and pats it through cover-point for a single.

On the back of a length, outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed cuts it along the grass through backward point for a single. A good slide in the deep from the fielder, saves three.

Short in length, outside off, and further climbs on the bounce, Babar Azam cuts it fine towards deep third for a single.

Hits the length hard, on the stumps, Iftikhar Ahmed nudges it along the ground to square leg for a quick single. 100 up for Pakistan.

Good length, wide of off, Babar Azam slashes it to deep backward point for a single.

Full and straight on middle, Iftikhar Ahmed leans ahead and confidently defends it off.

Iftikhar Ahmed is in at number 7.

OUT! LBW! A huge confident shout for LBW and up goes the finger! Azam Khan has opted for a review here. A good length ball, coming in with the arm again, pitching just close to the off stump, on a good length, and angling in. Azam Khan doesn't move his feet and gets stuck in the crease. He tries to nudge it to the leg side but the ball sneaks through his inside edge and hits the front pad. UltraEdge shows a flat line and the Ball Tracking shows that the Impact is in line, and the ball is clipping the leg stump. Wickets is umpire's call and hence, Azam Khan departs. Pakistan lose back-to-back wickets. An early exit for Azam Khan. Nosthush Kenjige gets his third wicket and he is on a hat-trick now.

Azam Khan comes out to the middle.

OUT! TAKEN! A million-dollar wicket for USA and just at the right time! Nosthush Kenjige breaks a brewing partnership and Pakistan are 4 down now. Nosthush Kenjige bowls an arm-ball on the middle and leg channel, Shadab Khan shuffles to the leg stump a bit more and employs the scoop shot but plays the ball too close to the body and fails to generate the requisite power or the elevation. Miscues the ball straight towards short fine where Saurabh Netravalkar, the big man takes a good catch stretching to his right. Nosthush Kenjige gets his second wicket.

A halt in play as the physio is out to attend to Shadab Khan, who seems to be struggling due to the heat. Shadab sips on some fluids before putting the helmet back on and he is ready to resume.

Good running! Slower through the air, on middle and angling further into the batter, Shadab Khan stays leg side of the ball and nudges it with soft hands, and along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Flatter and on leg, Shadab Khan wrists it to widish long on for a couple of more runs.

Around the wicket, full and on off, Babar Azam advances down the pitch to tuck it to the leg side for one.

DROPPED AND SIX! A good attempt though by Steven Taylor! Quicker knee-length full toss on off, Shadab Khan gets underneath and picks it over long on. Steven Taylor leaps but misjudges his jump and the ball sails just over his hands for a six.

Fuller in length, and outside off, Babar Azam drives it with an open bat's face towards sweeper cover for a single.

Darts in a yorker on off, Shadab Khan squeezes it out to point for a quick single.

FOUR! Nicely played! Drops it right into the hitting arc on middle, Shadab Khan clears his front leg, picks it across the angle over mid-wicket for a one-bounce boundary in the deep.

Overpitched on the middle, Babar Azam flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Babar gets on the aggressive route now! Harmeet Singh drops it well outside off, on a fuller length, Babar Azam latches onto it and skips down the track before smoking it downtown for a massive six.

Harmeet Singh (2-0-9-0) comes back into the attack.

Flatter and on off, Babar Azam plays it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a single to end the over.

Pulls his length this time, on middle, Shadab Khan backs away to make some room and hits it to the off side for a single.

Brings the angle closer to the body on a length, Babar Azam goes back into the crease and plays it to long on for one.

FOUR! Shot! Drops it full and around off, Babar Azam gets his dancing shoes on and picks it up over wide long on for a boundary on a couple of bounces.

Full and on off, Babar Azam pushes it to covers.

Loops it on the fuller length, angling on the pads, Shadab Khan gets an inside edge to short fine for a single.

Drinks! Time for a breather as the players take a hydration break. But boy, oh boy! This has been some bowling performance by the USA bowlers. They squeezed Pakistani batters for runs and also dismissed three key batters cheaply and dominated the Powerplay. However, Shadab Khan and Babar Azam have just started displaying hints of aggression by plucking 20 runs in the over just before the break. With a good set of hitters yet to come, these two will definitely aim to break the shackles from here on. Nosthush Kenjige (2-0-17-1) is back into the attack.

FOUR! Finally, Babar Azam finds the fence and this has turned to be just the over Pakistan were after. Jessy Singh goes full and straight, on middle, Babar Azam picks up the line and length early. Gets inside the line and brings his wrists into play to work it to the right of deep square leg for a boundary. 20 runs off the over and at the halfway mark, Pakistan are 66/3.

Too straight by Jessy, full and sliding on the pads, Shadab Khan flicks it through backward square leg and gets to the other end.

This is on a back of a length, over middle, Babar Azam mistimes the pull to deep backward square leg for one.

Good-length delivery, just outside off, Shadab Khan makes room and slaps it through covers for a single.

WIDE! Tries to keep it away from the batter but slips it beyond the tramline on off. Wide given.

SIX! More in control and hopefully, this twin sixes will set things in motion for Shadab Khan and Pakistan. Jessy goes into the wicket again, on middle, Shadab Khan skips down the track and nails the pull in front of square on the leg side this time for half a dozen.

SIX! Shadab Khan finally gets one away! A much-needed maximum for Pakistan. Jessy digs it in short, at the batter, Shadab Khan shapes up for the pull and the ball does get big on him. He still manages to clear deep backward square leg for a maximum.

The call is for 'two' and they get it. A bit slower and straighter, around leg, Babar Azam gets on the back foot and whips it to the right of long on for a couple of runs. Still just 6 runs off the over as Pakistan's struggle to get going continues.

This is flat and short, at the stumps, Shadab Khan creates room and hurriedly stabs it in front of cover to rotate the strike with a single.

Leg bye! Tosses it up, fuller and around the pads, Babar Azam advances down the track to get momentum into the shot but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball thuds his pads and rolls on the leg side for a leg bye.

Shadab makes the early move towards the leg side and Harmeet reacts by tucking up for room, slower and on a short length, Shadab Khan helps it away to the left of short fine leg for one.

Sees the batter make room and follows him does Harmeet, on a nagging length, Babar Azam adjusts and nudges it through square leg for a single.

At 93.2 kph, sliding onto the pads, Babar Azam skips out to push it down the ground but fails to get the shot away.

Hits the deck hard, over middle, Babar Azam moves to the leg side early again and flat-bats it down to long on for one. The USA continue to keep the squeeze on even after the Powerplay.

Cracked away but straight to the fielder. Jessy lands it full and on middle, Babar Azam premeditates as he backs away and drills it along the ground but straight to mid off.

Gets a bit of extra bounce off the good length area, outside off, Shadab Khan strides ahead and pats it through covers for a single.

Slanting in, on a good length, on middle and leg, Shadab Khan gives the bowler the charge but gets tucked up for room as he looks to play at it. Gets an inside edge that races to the left of short fine leg for a couple of runs.

Much fuller this time, on off, Shadab Khan covers the line of the ball and pushes it to backward point.

Leg bye! Starts off on a hard length, on off, skidding through, Babar Azam hops back to jab it away on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the front pad. The ball rolls in front of backward point and the batters take a quick single.

Jessy Singh replaces Saurabh Netravalkar.

Attacks the stumps does Harmeet, full as well, Babar Azam turns this one in front of square on the leg side for a single.A quiet first over by Harmeet Singh.

Floats it up, on a fullish length, on off, driven through covers for a single by Shadab.

Oh, that could have gone anywhere! Drags the length back and bowls it around middle, Shadab Khan looks to work it across the line from the crease but the ball sticks in the surface a bit and catches the leading edge but it falls well short of the bowler.

Nicely bowled! Loops it up nicely and bowls it slower through the air, on off, on a length, Shadab Khan looks to work it with the turn but the ball spins away to beat the bat.

Good placement but the running is even better. Coming in with the arm, on a nagging length, Shadab Khan presses forward and tucks it towards the wide mid on region and collects a couple of runs.

Leg bye! Pushes it through, but it is on the pads, on a fuller length, Babar Azam misses the tickle and the ball rolls off his pads in front of backward square leg for a leg bye.

Switches to over the wicket and angles it acorss the batter, on a short of a good length, Babar Azam frees his arms and cuts it to deep point for one. The USA take the Powerplay honours with Pakistan 30/3.

Good shot but no run! Netravalkar pitches it up to the batter, on off, Babar Azam leans on it and drives it well. The ball pings off Babar's bat but picks out the man at cover.

Lands it on a good length, in the channel on off, Shadab Khan extends his hands and dabs it square to the left of backward point. Nosthush Kenjige dives to his left and makes a half-stop, allowing the batters to take a single.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it on the off-stump line, Shadab Khan hangs on the back foot and stabs it down the deck. Netravalkar is giving absolutely nothing away here in his opening spell.

Quick single taken! Serves it on a good length, on off, Babar Azam defends it right under his eyeline. The ball drops beside the pitch on the off side and the batters scamper across for a quick run.

Steams in from around the wicket and goes full, angling in, on off, Babar Azam gets his weight on the front foot and firms the drive to mid off where the fielder makes a good diving stop to his right.

Bowls a length ball outside off with a shade of a movement away. Shadab Khan slashes hard at it but misses again. What a start this has been for the USA. Pakistan is well on the back foot now.

WIDE! Short and well outside off, Shadab Khan goes for a cut shot but misses. Wide.

Back of a length, around off, Shadab Khan punches it off the back foot straight back to backward point.

Shadab Khan is the new man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Pakistan is in all sorts of trouble now. Length ball, with an extra bounce on middle, Fakhar Zaman attempts to scoop it up over short fine but the ball gets a bit heavy on him and hits on the manufacturer's sticker on the willow. It carries straight towards the short fine fielder where Steven Taylor makes no mistake and takes a good catch. The dangerous Fakhar Zaman too, is into the sheds now.

What was Babar trying to do here? Absolute chaos in the middle! Length ball on the stumps, angling in a shade, Babar Azam looks to flick it across the angle but gets a thud on the front pad instead and the ball rolls towards cover. Babar Azam sets off for a leg bye but Fakhar Zaman is not interested at all but Babar is already halfway down, hence Fakhar obeys him and hurries to reach to the striker's end. Nosthush Kenjige misses the shy at the striker's end and Babar is nowhere in the frame. The ball goes to deep mid-wicket and the batters take a leg bye.

Pulls his length and varies his line into the body, on middle, Fakhar Zaman pulls it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.

Over the wicket, full and outside off, Fakhar Zaman drives it in front of square for a couple of runs at deep extra cover.

Ali Khan comes into the attack as the first change.

Bit more closer to the batter on a length, attacking the middle stump, Babar Azam gets ahead and flicks it across towards mid-wicket. A tidy over from Saurabh Netravalkar. Just a solitary run from it.

Oh, this one came back in considerably! Pitches it on a length, and nips sharply into the batter on the top of the middle and leg, Babar Azam goes for a slash through the covers but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Perfect length, angling in on off, Babar Azam knocks it off the inside half of the bat straight to the bowler.

Around the wicket, on a fuller length on off, Babar Azam covers his off-pole and slices the drive straight towards mid off.

Holds his length, angles it into the batter, on middle, Fakhar Zaman plants his front foot ahead and wrists it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Lovely shape! Beautiful length, outside off and moving away, enticing Fakhar to poke at it. Fakhar Zaman negotiates well and opts out of the shot. The keeper collects the ball on the waist level.

Flattens the trajectory this time, on a good length, attacking the off-pole, Babar Azam punches it straight to the bowler off the back foot. Another successful over for USA.

Short and outside off, Fakhar Zaman punches it towards backward point where the fielder fumbles and allows the batters to cross for one.

SIX! Off the mark with a biggie! Flighted ball around off, Fakhar Zaman pre-meditates the shot, sits down on his knee and slog sweeps it over deep square leg for a maximum.

Fakhar Zaman makes his way out to the centre with Pakistan in early trouble.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Pakistan lose their second wicket and that was fairly an unnecessary shot from Usman Khan. The USA on top early on. Nosthush Kenjige tosses it up outside off, on a fuller length, Usman Khan looks to go on an aggressive route and skips down the track to spank it over long off but he tries to hit it too hard and loses his shape, hence, mistimes the ball slicing it up in the air and straight into the safe hands of Nitish Kumar stationed at long off.

Quicker and flatter, around off on a length, Usman Khan blocks it firmly.

Perfect length, on the stumps, Babar Azam rocks back and punches it through mid-wicket for a single.

Slants it across off on a hard length, Babar Azam guides the ball off the back foot using all its pace towards deep third for a single to retain the strike in the next over. A successful over for USA.

Inward movement again, on off, and on a length, Babar Azam whips it off the inside half of the blade to mid-wicket.

Good length, moving a bit into the batter, on the stumps, Babar Azam flicks towards mid-wicket.

Bit more fuller, outside off, Usman Khan leans onto the ball and pushes it confidently through backward point for three runs. Good running.

Usman Khan walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! WHAT A SENSATIONAL CATCH BY STEVEN TAYLOR! Pakistan lose their first wicket and Rizwan departs cheaply. Saurabh Netravalkar bowls a hard length, angling on the middle and leg corridor, it skids through off the deck and comes on quickly, Mohammad Rizwan gets squared up as the ball nips away and takes the outside edge before carrying low and flat towards the first slip where Steven Taylor takes an absolute screamer diving low to his right, just a few inches above the grass. Pakistan fans are stunned in silence and the USA are pumped up.

On the money! Swinging into the batter a shade on a length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan plays in line of the ball and eases it in front of cover.

It will be the left-arm seamer, Saurabh Netravalkar to operate from the other end.

Tight line on a good length, angling on the pads, Mohammad Rizwan goes deep inside the crease and punches it wide of mid on for a single to end the over. First over done, Pakistan are 9 without any loss.

Drops it on a length, around off, Mohammad Rizwan knocks it off the back foot through covers for a couple of more runs.

Quicker on a fullish length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan pushes it to covers.

SIX! Pakistan and Rizwan are underway in style! Drops it full in length, almost underneath the bat, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan reads it well, sits down and sweeps it aerially and clears deep backward square leg fence with ease.

Tossed up on a length, bit more closer to the body, on middle, Mohammad Rizwan watches it closely and punches it towards cover.

Around the wicket, on a fuller length, on off, Mohammad Rizwan strides ahead and pushes it to covers.

Done with the national anthems and we are all set to go. Blue skies greet the two umpires as they shake hands and make their way out to the centre. Monank Patel and his men stride out to the middle and they get greeted with a loud cheer from the USA fans. It will be the experienced duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to open the innings for Pakistan. The USA are starting with spin in the form of Nosthush Kenjige. The countdown is done and dusted. Away we go...

We are moments away from getting underway, but before that, the match officials and the two sets of players will line up for the national anthems. It will be Pakistan's first, followed by the national anthem of the USA.

Naseem Shah is in for a chat. He says his body has recovered well, and the preparation has been good. Considering the last two games played at his venue, he reckons that the wicket has been good. Feels that the first game of any tournament is important for the momentum, and they aim to start well. States that they have a strong bowling attack, but bowling in partnerships will be the key.

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says they would have bowled first as well since it is a morning game. Says it's a good surface and looks fresh. Also says it's good to see the sunshine which was missing since a few days. Adds that they will look to bat well in the Powerplay. Informs Imad Wasim is missing due to an injury, and they are going with four seamers.

The captain of the USA, Monank Patel says that they will bowl first. Tells that the reason behind electing to bowl first is that they have played before on this surface and chasing has been easier at this venue. Also says that they want to know what they are chasing. Shares that they have the momentum from the game against Canada and want to continue. States that they are looking forward to his game and that they are excited about this new challenge. Informs that they have made one change with Nosthush Kenjige coming in for Shadley van Schalkwyk.

USA (Playing XI) - Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (C/WK), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Nosthush Kenjige (In for Shadley van Schalkwyk), Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf.

TOSS UPDATE - Monank Patel, the skipper of USA wins the coin-flip and elects to BOWL first.

Pakistan, on the other hand, is entering this World Cup following a series defeat against England and a humbling loss during their Irish tour. They haven't been living up to their strengths recently. Further compounding their worries, crafty spinner Imad Wasim is injured and won't participate, making Shadab Khan's experience on these spin-friendly drop-in pitches crucial. Their pace battery, featuring speedsters like Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf, needs to translate their abilities into performance. On the batting front, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been the only consistent performers, while Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed are expected to play aggressive clutch roles more frequently. With Pakistan as the heavyweights, will they maintain their reputation, or does the USA have more surprises in store? Stay tuned as the toss and teams are up next.

The USA has exceeded expectations, making a strong mark in their brief crickeing history with their impressive performances recently. The hosts are brimming with confidence, having won four out of their last five matches along with a series win against Bangladesh. Starting their league phase with a victory against Canada, the USA have shown they can't be underestimated at all. However, this time, their challenge elevates to a new level as they face Pakistan. Aaron Jones has been simply sensational with the bat, showcasing his wide array of strokes and ability to take down the spinners with his range-hitting prowess and will be the crucial X-factor. Andries Gous too, looks in fine form and these two along with likes of Steven Taylor and Corey Anderson would play key roles with the bat and ball. While the bowling unit needs some obvious improvements, USA lineup surely packs a serious punch.

Hello and a very warm welcome to our coverage of Match number 11 of this ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The action continues and another exciting clash is just around the corner as the USA, one of the hosts of this tournament are all in readiness to battle against the formidable Pakistan in Pool A at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas. USA has started off with a triumph whereas the men in green from the subcontinent are gearing up to kickstart their World Cup journey.

... MATCH DAY ...

As the T20 World Cup kicks off, Pakistan is set to begin their campaign against the United States tomorrow, finding themselves in a state of flux. The contest promises excitement, not just because of the cricketing prowess involved, but also due to the intriguing narratives surrounding both teams. Pakistan, under the leadership of Babar Azam, enters the tournament on the back of a challenging 2-0 series defeat to England, which was marred by rain and inconsistencies. The squad's harmony has been under scrutiny with recent changes at the helm. Babar Azam's reinstatement as skipper to replace Shaheen Afridi, who then refused the vice-captaincy, indicates potential discord within the ranks. Moreover, Pakistan's reshuffled top order has yet to find its footing, adding to the uncertainty. The immediate task for Babar Azam's men is to focus on their opening match against the United States. While the cricketing world back in Pakistan may already be abuzz with discussions about the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals India in New York on Sunday, the team must channel all their energy into overcoming the challenge posed by the US. The United States team, led by captain Monank Patel, has already shown their potential with an impressive seven-wicket victory over Canada in their opening match. Andries Gous scored 64, complementing a brilliant 94 not out from just 40 balls by Aaron Jones, demonstrating their batting prowess. Patel expressed delight with his team's performance and the support they received from the crowd in Dallas, highlighting the growing confidence within the squad. For Pakistan, the key will be to contain the likes of Gous and Jones, utilizing their potent pace attack to exploit any weaknesses. The battle between Pakistan's seasoned bowlers and the US’s confident batters could very well decide the outcome of the match. Off the field, Pakistan's focus must remain sharp. The distractions of impending high-profile matches, particularly the showdown with India, must be put aside. Babar Azam's leadership will be crucial in maintaining this focus, ensuring that the team approaches each game with the seriousness it deserves. The skipper's ability to rally his team, despite the internal reshuffles and external pressures, will be put to the test. The United States, on the other hand, will aim to build on their momentum. The confidence from their opening victory, coupled with the underdog spirit, makes them a dangerous opponent. They will look to exploit any signs of complacency or discord within the Pakistani camp, making this opening match a potentially tricky hurdle for Pakistan. The Grand Praire Stadium in Dallas, Texas will provide the perfect stage for this intriguing clash. The historic venue, known for hosting memorable matches, adds to the grandeur of the occasion. Both teams will be eager to make a strong start, setting the tone for their respective campaigns. Pakistan’s batting lineup, with stars like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, will need to fire collectively. Consistency at the top of the order will be key to setting or chasing competitive totals. The middle order, which has seen recent reshuffles, must step up and provide stability and power in the crucial overs. The likes of Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed need to translate their potential into match-winning performances. For the United States, maintaining the aggressive and fearless approach shown against Canada will be vital. Their batting, led by the likes of Aaron Jones, needs to counter Pakistan's pace attack with a mix of caution and aggression. On the bowling front, the US will rely on disciplined line and length, aiming to exploit any vulnerabilities in the Pakistani batting order. As the teams prepare for this crucial opener, the broader picture of the tournament adds layers of excitement and anticipation. The T20 World Cup, known for its unpredictability and thrilling moments, promises to be a roller-coaster ride. For Pakistan, this match is not just about starting well but also about setting a statement for the rest of the tournament. In conclusion, as Pakistan takes on the United States in their T20 World Cup opener, the match promises a blend of high-quality cricket, strategic battles, and emotional narratives. Pakistan, despite their recent challenges, cannot be written off, and their journey begins with a test against a confident US side. The outcome of this match will not only set the tone for both teams but also provide early insights into the unfolding drama of the T20 World Cup. Stay tuned for what promises to be a fascinating encounter at the Grand Prairie Stadium.