Pakistan Secures Vital Win Over Canada in T20 World Cup Opener

Match Summary:

Pakistan vs Canada

Venue: Nassau County International Cricket Stadium

Result: Pakistan won by 7 wickets

Pakistan initiated their campaign in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup with a crucial 7-wicket triumph over Canada, keeping their path to qualification open. Mohammad Rizwan's unbeaten 53 guided Pakistan in successfully chasing down the 107-run target with 15 balls left, setting a new record for the venue.

Key Phase: Middle Overs Dominance

Though Pakistan aimed for a decisive win to improve their Net Run Rate against the USA, they struggled to find the boundary in the middle overs. However, a steady 63-run partnership off 62 deliveries between Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan ensured they stayed on course for a comfortable finish. In comparison, Canada managed 10 fewer runs and lost two more wickets during the same phase, missing out on a strong finish to their innings.

At the Toss

Babar Azam opted to bowl first after winning the toss. Pakistan made a strategic change, bringing in the explosive opener Saim Ayub for the out-of-form Iftikhar Ahmad.

Canada's Innings

Power play: Strong Start by Canada

CAN: 30/2 (Run Rate: 5.00; 5x4s, 0x6s)

Canada began positively, with Aaron Johnson hitting a couple of boundaries off Shaheen Afridi. Their aggressive stance continued against Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir, but Amir's sharp delivery clean-bowled Navneet Dhaliwal. Shaheen struck again in the power play's final over, getting Pargat Singh out with a rising delivery that deflected off his glove to the slip fielder.

Middle Overs: Pakistani Bowlers Gain Control

CAN: 47/3 (Run Rate: 5.11; 0x4s, 4x6s)

Pakistan tightened their grip early in the middle overs, with Imad Wasim's direct hit running out Nicholas Kirton in the first over post-power play. Haris Rauf then claimed the scalps of Shreyas Movva and Ravindrapal Singh, adding to Canada's woes. Johnson's aggressive batting, including four sixes en route to his fifty, kept Canada in the game. However, after a few fielding lapses by Pakistan, Johnson fell to a superb delivery from Naseem Shah while attempting to break free in the 14th over.

Death Overs: Lower Order Fightback

CAN: 29/1 (Run Rate: 4.80; 2x4s, 1x6s)

Canada's lower order, led by Saad bin Zafar, Kaleem Sana, and Dillon Heylinger, played smartly in the final six overs. They rotated the strike effectively and took calculated risks, adding valuable runs to lift Canada to a somewhat competitive total, despite falling slightly short of par.

Pakistan's Chase

Powerplay: Cautious Start by Pakistan

PAK: 28/1 (Run Rate: 4.67; 1x4s, 0x6s)

Pakistan began their chase cautiously. Saim Ayub, who edged a delivery to the keeper, departed early after failing to capitalise on some errant bowling from Canada. Babar Azam survived a close call when Canada reviewed a caught-behind decision, but the on-field umpire's verdict stood.

Middle Overs: Steadying the Ship

PAK: 57/1 (Run Rate: 6.33; 2x4s, 1x6s)

Babar and Rizwan struggled to hit big shots despite multiple attempts to advance down the pitch. They maintained the scoring rate by taking singles and twos, ensuring a steady 63-run partnership for the second wicket. Canadian bowlers kept a tight line but occasionally leaked runs, allowing Pakistan to ease the pressure. Towards the end of this phase, Babar edged a length delivery to the keeper, departing for 33.

Death Overs: Rizwan Seals the Win

PAK: 22/1 in 2.3 overs (Run Rate: 8.8; 0x4s, 1x6s)

Rizwan, having batted through earlier struggles, unleashed a flurry of attacks in the 16th over, including a remarkable inside-out six over extra cover off Junaid Siddiqui. Despite Fakhar Zaman's dismissal on a leading edge with just three runs needed, Usman Khan secured the win with a flick to deep square leg, wrapping up Pakistan's chase comfortably.

Brief Scores

Canada: 106/7 in 20 overs (Aaron Johnson 52, Kaleem Sana 13*; Mohammad Amir 2-13, Haris Rauf 2-26)

Pakistan: 107/3 in 17.3 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 53*, Babar Azam 33; Dillon Heylinger 2-18, Jeremy Gordon 1-17)