In the middle of the newly-built Nassau County Cricket Stadium (in New York) facing flak for producing sub-standard wickets and playing outfield, somewhere in the southern part of the USA in Dallas, Texas, cricket seemed to find a new home. The co-hosts of the 2024 T20 World Cup, the USA tasted their biggest-ever win in cricket on Thursday (June 6) by beating former winners Pakistan in a super over thriller, which was horrendous to watch for the Pakistani fans but fell in favour of cricket winning in America.
Cricket is still a growing sport in that part of the world, and the USA taking an early lead in the group headlined by two Asian giants – India and Pakistan, speaks a lot about their rise in this brief period. The USA entered the tournament on the back of their maiden T20I series win over Bangladesh. While knocking neighbours Canada in their tournament opener on June 2 strengthened their chances of going beyond the group stage.
Aaron Jones became a household name after demolishing the Canadian bowling attack with his unbeaten 94 off 40, which included ten massive sixes. That inning, however, entered the record books, as Jones became the batter with the most runs in a successful run chase in Men’s T20 WC.
With Pakistan facing them next, the USA had their plans set and placed well, and the only thing they required to do was execute it to perfection – which, to everyone’s surprise, they did and beat Pakistan in a super over.
At Dallas in Texas, the USA bowled first and reduced Pakistan to 26 for three inside the Powerplay. Besides denting their momentum and ego to some extent, the USA continued bowling tight lines, putting Pakistan captain Babar Azam under tremendous pressure. As a result, he failed to capitalise, scoring almost a run-a-ball 43 off 42 deliveries, hitting two sixes and five fours.
While Shadab Khan pressed his case for retention in the XI despite mediocre bowling lately with his 25-ball 40 knock, none of the batters could get going in the first innings.
On the other hand Nosthush Kenjige was the best bowler for USA, returning with three wickets, while Indian-origin Saurabh Netravalkar picked two wickets to restrict Pakistan to 159 for seven in 20 overs.
The failed attempt
Everyone hyped Pakistan’s four-men pace attack, including Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf, but none could break through the USA’s batting line-up. Forget Shadab Khan’s figures, even the pacers failed to threaten the inexperienced batting attack.
While Amir, Naseem and Haris picked a wicket each, USA’s captain Monank Patel’s heroics led USA to close in the gap and go for the win. Following Rauf’s last over, where he conceded 14 runs, including four off the last ball (when five runs were required), the match went into the super over.
A nation busy with gearing up for the Celtics vs Mavericks NBA final later in the day suddenly switched the channel to watch its country pulling off the greatest upset in the tournament history. A few minutes later, that dream became a reality as the USA emerged victorious in this cliffhanger of a game.
Out of nowhere, the crowd and millions watching the TV worldwide couldn’t believe what happened. In a fraction of a second, cricket made headlines all across America, something the International Cricket Council (ICC) was eagerly waiting to happen.
The boost that cricket received in the US since the last night was incredible, and with the USA facing cricketing giants India in their next tie in New York, the engagement and craze is set to put the game on fire. However, a high-octane India vs Pakistan match – the marquee clash of any ICC tournament on Sunday, June 9) will serve the purpose too.
Cricket’s rise in the West
America and Canada alongside a handful of associate nations worldwide, participating in the 20-team tournament look like the right way to go for cricket.
Considering cricket is included in the LA28 Olympic Programme (the format remains unclear), engagement and popularity remain the crucial parameters, and such results are just the right thing to happen to this sport and country at the same time.
Although the tournament had just started, who knows what is in store for the USA – the hosts of the 2024 T20 World Cup?