Pakistan secured a 7-wicket victory against Canada in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, keeping their hopes alive for qualifying. Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 53 runs led Pakistan to successfully chase down Canada’s 107-run target with 15 balls to spare at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
The difference: The middle overs
The middle overs made the difference in the match. Despite Pakistan’s struggle to find big hits during this period, a 63-run partnership between Babar Azam and Rizwan off 62 balls put Pakistan in a comfortable position to secure the win. In contrast, Canada scored 10 runs less and lost two additional wickets during the middle overs, preventing them from finishing their innings strongly.
At the toss:
Babar Azam won the toss and chose to field. Pakistan made a change to their lineup, bringing in Saim Ayub, the powerful opener, in place of the out-of-form Iftikhar Ahmad.
Canada
Powerplay: Canada makes a positive start.
CAN: 30/2 | On a challenging pitch, Aaron Johnson started well by hitting a couple of boundaries against Shaheen Afridi. He continued his aggressive approach against Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir before getting clean-bowled by Mohammad Amir. In the last over of the powerplay, Shaheen Afridi took another wicket, dismissing Pargat Singh with a rising delivery that caught the glove on its way to the slip fielder.
Middle overs: Pakistan bowlers control proceedings.
CAN: 47/3 | Canada faced setbacks as Nicholas Kirton was run out in the first over of the powerplay. Haris Rauf further troubled Canada by dismissing Shreyas Movva and Ravindrapal Singh. However, Aaron Johnson’s aggressive play, including four sixes, kept the scoreboard ticking. A couple of fielding errors by Pakistan also helped Canada’s cause. Naseem Shah bowled out Johnson in the 14th over.
Death overs: Canada’s lower order puts up a fight.
CAN: 29/1 |With limited batting resources, Canada cautiously played out the last six overs, rotating the strike and taking calculated risks. Saad bin Zafar, Kaleem Sana, and Dillon Heylinger ensured they added valuable runs, taking the team to a competitive total, albeit slightly below par.
Pakistan
Powerplay: Pakistan starts slow in the chase,
28/1 | Despite benefiting from a number of loose deliveries, Pakistan failed to fully capitalize on the opportunity. Saim Ayub was out after edging the ball to the wicketkeeper, shortly after a chance was dropped at short fine leg. Canada called for a review for a caught behind against Babar Azam early on, but the on-field umpire’s decision stood.
Middle overs: Babar and Rizwan steadied the chase
57/1 | Despite attempts to attack the bowlers, they mainly focused on scoring singles and twos, adding 63 runs for the second wicket. The Canadian bowlers kept the pressure on but also provided some loose deliveries, allowing Pakistan to score comfortably.
Death overs: Rizwan stepped up and ensured pakistan reached the target
22/1 | Rizwan’s aggressive batting in the 16th over, including an inside-out six through extra cover, helped seal the victory. Fakhar Zaman was caught after getting a leading edge, but Usman Khan’s two runs secured the win for Pakistan.
Brief Scores:
Canada scored 106 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs. Aaron Johnson scored 52 runs and Kaleem Sana scored 13 not out. Mohammad Amir took 2 wickets for 13 runs, and Haris Rauf took 2 wickets for 26 runs. Pakistan chased down the target, scoring 107 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 17.3 overs. Mohammad Rizwan scored 53 not out, and Babar Azam scored 33. Dillon Heylinger took 2 wickets for 18 runs, and Jeremy Gordon took 1 wicket for 17 runs. Pakistan won the match by 7 wickets.
