(PTI Photo)

Legendary Pakistani fast bowler Wasim Akram and his teammate from the 1992 World Cup-winning squad, Ramiz Raja, were deeply distraught. Waqar Younis, who led Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup, had foreseen the downfall of Babar Azam’s team during the powerplay against the United States of America (USA) in Dallas. Sadly, these three iconic figures of Pakistan cricket had front-row seats to witness one of the most monumental upsets in T20 World Cup history.

In their debut encounter against former champions Pakistan on the grand stage, the co-hosts United States achieved the unimaginable in their second home game of the ICC event. Securing a momentous victory in match number 11 of the T20 World Cup, led by Aaron Jones, the American side stunned Pakistan in a thrilling Super Over showdown. Hailing from Punjab, Pakistan, USA pacer Ali Khan clinched the pivotal wicket of Fakhar Zaman during the powerplay. Intriguingly, two of Ali’s compatriots, who played key roles in the USA’s memorable triumph, have ancestral ties to India!

Leading the charge for the USA team, captain Monank Patel showcased exemplary leadership skills on the field. Born in Anand, Gujarat on May 1, 1993, he shares his birthday with the esteemed West Indies cricketer Gordon Greenidge, who played his final Test innings on the same date. Making a judicious decision after winning the toss, Monank opted to bowl first against Babar’s Pakistan in Dallas. The Indian-origin skipper ensured that the co-hosts dominated the initial overs, stifling Pakistan’s batting prowess. Under Monank’s guidance, the USA team restricted Pakistan to a total of 159-7 in their allotted 20 overs. Displaying his batting prowess, the World Cup host’s captain played a pivotal innings, scoring a rapid 50 off 38 balls, thereby maintaining USA’s control over the game.

Despite a late resurgence from the Pakistan bowlers, the in-form Aaron Jones stood strong, remaining unbeaten on 36 runs. A crucial boundary off the final ball from Nitish Kumar leveled the score at 159, leading to a Super Over showdown in Dallas. Veteran Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir conceded eight extras, aiding USA in setting a target of 19 runs in the Super Over. Stepping up to the challenge, Saurabh Netravalkar delivered an outstanding performance for the USA team in the nail-biting finale. He bowled the decisive final six deliveries of the Super Over, ultimately determining the outcome of this unforgettable contest.

Saurabh Netravalkar’s performance against Pakistan evoked memories of Ireland’s cricketing triumphs. Hailing from Mumbai and aged 32, Netravalkar has led the USA in international matches while working at Oracle. His bowling brilliance in Dallas was exemplary. Netravalkar made an impact early on by dismissing Mohammad Rizwan in his first over of the innings. He also outfoxed Iftikhar Ahmed during Pakistan’s batting. Taking command during the Super Over, Netravalkar claimed a crucial wicket, removing Iftikhar once again on the third delivery of his spell, thereby contributing significantly to the USA’s victory. His tight bowling, conceding only 13 runs, secured a memorable win for the US at the T20 World Cup.