Pakistan maintained their hopes of advancing to the Super Eight Stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by securing a seven-wicket victory over Canada in a Group A encounter on Tuesday.

By PakPassion Staff (11-06-2024)

The playing surface and outfield at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium remained challenging for the batters, resulting in Canada struggling to reach 106 for seven, largely thanks to opener Aaron Johnson's 52 after being put into bat. Pakistan's batters encountered similar difficulties against an inexperienced Canada bowling attack but managed to secure their first win after two successive defeats, losing three wickets in 17.3 overs.

Pakistan's chances of advancing to the Super Eight Stage depend on other match outcomes. If India defeats the USA as expected, and Canada in their upcoming matches, Pakistan will closely monitor the USA versus Ireland match on June 14. If Ireland manages to defeat the USA, Pakistan will need to beat Ireland on June 16 in Florida to secure their place in Antigua and Barbados.

A strong bowling performance from Pakistan saw Mohammad Amir claim two wickets for 13 runs, Haris Rauf taking two wickets for 26 runs, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah each secured a wicket, limiting Canada to 106 for seven. This included a run-a-ball 19-run partnership for the unbroken eighth wicket between Kaleem Sana (13 not out) and Dilon Heyliger (9 not out).

Aaron Johnson's innings of 52 off 44 balls included four fours and four sixes, with some fortune aiding his performance. Despite Canada's 20-run start in three overs, Pakistan's bowlers managed to pull things back, reducing them to 88 for seven in 17 overs.

In Pakistan's innings, Saim Ayub, who replaced Iftikhar Ahmed in the playing lineup, departed after scoring six runs off 12 balls. Babar Azam joined Mohammad Rizwan, and the duo added 63 runs from 62 balls for the second wicket. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 53, displaying solid batting until the end, securing his 29th half-century in 101 matches with an innings that included two fours and a six.