T20WC: Pakistan wins its first T20 against Canada

Pakistan clinched their first victory in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in Tuesday’s match against Canada, which was a do-or-die situation, as only a win could keep the Green Shirts’ hopes alive for the Super 8 stage. 

Babar Azam and Co’s seven wicket victory against newcomers Canada came as a breather for the side following their back-to-back losses against the United States and India in their first two matches of the mega-tournament. 

Pakistan chased down the 107-run target to emerge victorious in the must-win clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.

Men in Green had a tough start as they failed to score a boundary in the first four overs. Saim Ayub soon departed for the pavilion after scoring just six runs, leaving the Green Shirts 20-1 in 4.2 overs.

In a crucial showdown, Pakistan has opted to bowl first after winning the toss against Canada in the 22nd match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. This match serves as a do-or-die encounter for the Men in Green.

Pakistan seized the initiative early, with Mohammad Amir dismissing Canadian opener Navneet Dhaliwal for just 4 runs in the third over. The Men in Green continued their assault, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf claiming crucial wickets to keep Canada under pressure.

Imad Wasim’s run-out of Nicholas Singh further bolstered Pakistan’s dominance, leaving Canada reeling with just five wickets in hand. Rauf, eyeing a hat-trick, showcased his bowling prowess, setting the stage for Pakistan’s resurgence.

With young pacer Naseem Shah also making an impact, Pakistan’s bowling attack demonstrated its potency, restricting Canada to 73/6 after 14 overs.

Pakistan’s hopes of advancing in the tournament hinge on victory in today’s match and the subsequent high-stakes group clash. With two losses in the opening matches, Pakistan must secure wins to stay in contention.

Meanwhile, Canada aims to capitalize on a victory, which would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the T20 World Cup playoffs.

In a strategic move, Pakistan made one change in their playing XI, with Saim Ayub replacing Iftikhar Ahmed.

Playing XIs:

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (capt), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir

Canada: Aaron Johnson, Navneet Dhaliwal, Pargat Singh, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva (wk), Ravinderpal Singh, Dilon Heyliger, Saad Bin Zafar (capt), Kaleem Sana, Junaid Siddiqui, Jeremy Gordon