USA's Super Over smash and grab
USA, playing at home, in a World Cup
Description:
USA outclass sloppy Pakistan in thrilling Super Over finish
USA 159 for 3 (Monank 50, Jones 36*, Gous 35) beat Pakistan 159 for 7 (Babar 44, Shadab 40, Kenjige 3-30, Netravalkar 2-18) via Super Over
USA muzzled an experienced Pakistan top order, brought their hitters to heel, and then produced a measured batting performance that tied the scores at 159-all.
This forced the game into a Super Over, and here is when the USA really seemed like the veteran team on the circuit while Pakistan went into high-pressure-meltdown mode.
Mohammad Amir, Pakistan's most experienced bowler, bowled three wides in his Super Over, the US batters stealing another run every time, and Mohammad Rizwan conceded another extra run on an overthrow off the last of these wides.
Saurabh Netravalkar picked up 2 for 18 in his four overs and came back to tie Pakistan down in the Super Over
If this already seemed a tough ask for Pakistan to better Saurabh Netravalkar made their job even more difficult. He had been outstanding for USA in regular play, taking 2 for 18 from his four overs. His Super Over was outstanding too, as he conceded just one boundary.Then the second-wicket partnership, between
Monank Patel made a match-winning 50 off 38 balls
captain Monank Patel and Andries Gous brought 68 runs in 48 balls and formed the backbone of the chase. Monank provided most of the highlights in this partnership, making 50 off 38, hitting seven fours and one glorious six down the ground to get to his half-century, off Shaheen Shah Afridi. He was out soon after but had left USA in a potentially winning position.
Pakistan pull things back at the death
Even with Monank and Gous out with 35 balls to go, Pakistan still had to bowl well, with the USA only needing 49. Naseem Shah, Shaheen, and Amir shone through the death overs to leave the USA needing 15 off the last over. Haris Rauf, landing his yorkers there or thereabouts, brought the equation down to 12 off 3.
But then, Jones smashed a six off a low full-toss on the stumps, then with five required off the last ball, Nitish Kumar crashed a four over mid-off to tie the game.
