Left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar defended 18 runs in the Super Over as United States of America pulled off a thrilling win against Pakistan at the Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas on Thursday.
After being put into bat, Pakistan lost Mohammad Rizwan to a brilliant catch by Steven Taylor at slip off Netravalkar for 9. Usman Khan (3) perished while trying to take on Nosthush Kenjige.
Ali Khan then got into the act by dismissing Fakhar Zaman for 9. The pair of Babar Azam along with Shadab Khan featured in a valuable 72 run stand for the fourth wicket stand before the latter fell to Kenjige for a quickfire 25 ball- 40.
Azam Khan was trapped by Kenjige for a golden duck as Pakistan slumped to 98/5. However useful runs down the order from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Iftikhar Ahmed helped Pakistan reach 159/7 in their 20 overs.
In response, USA openers Steven Taylor and skipper Monank Patel got their side off to a solid start. The pair added 36 runs for the opening stand before Naseem Shah broke the stand by dismissing Taylor caught behind the stumps for 12.
Monak featured in a second wicket stand of 68 runs alongside Andries Gous before both the well set batters fell in quick succession.
With 15 needed off the final over, Haris Rauf gave away just 3 runs in first three deliveries. In the fourth ball Aaron Jones smashed a six over wide long on. With 5 needed off the last ball, Nitish Kumar (14)* hit a boundary off the final ball over mid off as USA finished at 159/3.
In the Super Over, USA made 18 runs. In response, Pakistan managed 13/1, thereby falling 5 run short of the target.
USA skipper Monank Patel was adjudged the Player of the Match for his fine performance.
