Babar Azam-led Pakistan finally opened their account with an 8-wicket win over Canada in T20 World Cup Group A match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Tuesday, June.
With a target of 107, Pakistan chased it down in 17.3 overs on a tricky pitch. Mohammad Rizwan once again stepped up for the team as he led the batting with an unbeaten innings of 53 off 53 balls. Skipper Babar Azam chipped in with useful contributions of 33 off 33 balls.
In bowling, Pakistan put their best forward to restrict Canada to modest total of 106/7 in a stipulated 20 overs. Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf led Pakistan's bowling attack by picked two wickets each, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah took a scalp each.
After the win against Canada, the question once again arises whether Pakistan still have a chance to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup 2024.
The Men in Green had a disappointing start to their campaign as they suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of the co-hosts USA, followed up with another loss against arch-rivals. With two consecutive defeats, Pakistan's chances of qualification for the Super 8 looked slim.
However, Pakistan can still make it to the Super 8 if India and Ireland lose their last two fixtures and the Men in Green win against Ireland in Group A. If these results materialize, then Babar Azam and his boys can advance to the Super 8 stage. Their qualification, however, will ultimately depend on their Net Run Rate (NRR).
South Africa and Australia qualified for Super 8
South Africa and Australia qualified for the Super 8 stage of the ongoing edition of the T20 World Cup 2024. The Proteas advanced to the next stage of the tournament after the group D match between Sri Lanka and Nepal was washed out due to torrential rain in Florida on Wednesday.
South Africa are currently are table toppers in Group A with win three consecutive wins and will play their next match against Nepal on June 14.
Australia, on the other hand, booked their Super 8 berth after defeating Namibia by 9 wickets in Antigua on Wednesday. Chasing a mere 73-run target, Aussies chased it down in just 5.4 overs.
Mitchell Marsh-led are currently at the top of the points table in Group B with an unbeaten run in three matches and will play the final fixture of the group stage against Scotland on June 16.
