Pakistan secured their initial win at the T20 World Cup 2024, defeating Canada in a crucial match. Victory was essential for advancing to the Super 8 stage.
The team’s success followed losses to the USA and India. They achieved a seven-wicket win, easing some pressure.
In the game at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan pursued a target of 107 runs.
The start was challenging; no boundaries were scored in the initial four overs. Saim Ayub was out early, with the score at 20-1.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan then established a 63-run partnership. Azam was dismissed for 33, but Rizwan continued, securing victory in 17.3 overs with an unbeaten 53.
Pakistan’s bowlers dominated earlier, limiting Canada to 106-7. Mohammad Amir initiated the process, taking out Navneet Dhaliwal early on.
Quick wickets followed, including a crucial catch and bowl by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Although Haris Rauf did not claim wickets in his over, subsequent efforts by Imad Wasim and others kept pressure high, leading to multiple Canadian dismissals.
As wickets fell, Aaron Johnson tried rallying his team, hitting a fifty, but efforts were insufficient against Pakistan’s attack.
