Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his disappointment with the challenging New York pitch, which impeded their plans to improve their net run rate and secure a spot in the Super 8 stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup. On June 11, Pakistan took 17.3 overs to reach the 107-run target set by Canada. Despite winning with 15 balls to spare, Pakistan’s net run rate only saw a slight improvement to +0.191, which still lagged behind the USA’s +0.626.
The USA’s dominant performance against Canada significantly boosted their net run rate. For Pakistan, net run rate will become crucial if they win their final group stage match against Ireland and if the USA loses its remaining matches against India and Ireland. This scenario would leave both teams tied on four points, making net run rate the determining factor.
“We needed this win. Our bowling started well, especially in the first six overs, where we knew we had to perform strongly. It was in our mind to win before 14 overs to improve our net run rate, but the pitch made it difficult,” Babar Azam said during the post-match presentation.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan Steady Pakistan’s Chase with Crucial Partnership
Earlier in the match, Pakistani bowlers delivered an impressive performance, limiting Canada to 106 runs. All four pacers contributed with wickets, and Imad Wasim bowled a tight spell. Babar Azam himself scored a run-a-ball 33 during the chase.
He batted at No. 3 after Saim Ayub replaced Iftikhar Ahmed as the opener. Coming to the crease in the fifth over, Babar formed a crucial 63-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan for the second wicket, setting the foundation for Pakistan’s chase.
Babar was eventually dismissed for 33 runs in the 15th over after edging a delivery to the wicketkeeper. Frustrated with his dismissal, he slammed his bat before walking to the pavilion. Pakistan’s final group-stage match against Ireland is scheduled to take place in Florida on Sunday,16 June.
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