Did Pakistan throw the match against USA in T20 WC?

The Group A match in Dallas was nothing short of a thrilling encounter.

Pakistan were put in to bat first after USA skipper Monank Patel won the toss and opted to bowl on what was considered a fairly par wicket. Pakistan immediately struggled to get out of the block with the only top order highlight a leisurely 44 of 43 balls from Babar Azam. It was not until Shadab Khans fiery 40 that the Pakistani innings looked to be going anywhere. Credit should go to USAs strike bowlers Kenjige and Netravalkar who between them dismissed half of the Pakistan side.

In the second innings USA was off to a brisk start courtesy captain Monank Patel and A Gous. A lacklustre performance from Shaheen Afridi seriously hampered Pakistani pace efforts. Finally a thrilling innings from the ever reliable Alex Jones helped USA level the scores at the end of 20 overs. In fact the last balls accrued 11 runs for team USA in what is being dubbed a spectacular finish.

The ensuing Super Over was advantage USA with very indisciplined and tired bowling from pacer Mohhamed Amir. Three wides and shoddy keeping from Rizwan behind the stumps cost Pakistan a total of 7 runs without a ball being bowled. This is beyond shabby for a full standard Test playing international team. Maybe the pressure got to Amir?

His super conceded 18 runs and USA were able to curtail a ragged Pakistan to 13 thereby causing the first major upset of the World Cup so far.