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In a crucial Group A match at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan clinched a much-needed victory over Canada at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Tuesday (June 11). The highlight of the match was a sensational delivery by Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir, which bowled Canada opener Navneet Dhaliwal, setting the tone for Pakistan’s dominance.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Pakistan captain Babar Azam brought Shaheen Afridi to bowl the first over. However, Shaheen’s over proved costly, conceding 11 runs, including two boundaries. Naseem Shah followed, giving away another five runs in the second over, allowing Canada to start strongly at 16/0.
Mohammad Amir’s ripper dismantles Navneet Dhaliwal’s middle stump
Realizing the need for a breakthrough, Babar Azam introduced the veteran left-arm pacer Amir into the attack for the third over. Amir immediately showcased his class and experience. Despite conceding a boundary off his first ball, where Dhaliwal played a stylish short-arm jab through cover-point, Amir maintained his focus.
On the very next delivery, Amir bowled a full-length inswinger targeting the middle stump. Dhaliwal, attempting to defend from the back foot, completely misjudged the ball. The delivery swung sharply, beating Dhaliwal’s inside edge and crashing into his middle stump. This spectacular wicket by Amir not only dismissed a dangerous opener but also set the tone for Pakistan’s supremacy in the match.
Here’s the video:
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Mohammad Amir narrates an untold story of receiving Virat Kohli’s bat
Aaron Johnson’s fighting knock
Despite the early breakthrough, Canada managed to post a respectable total of 106/7 in their 20 overs. Aaron Johnson was the standout performer, scoring a solid 52 off 44 balls. Johnson’s innings provided the backbone for Canada, allowing them to reach a competitive total, especially considering the challenging conditions at the New York venue.
Pakistan’s successful chase
Chasing 107, Pakistan had a shaky start in the powerplay. Saim Ayub, brought in place of Iftikhar Ahmed, opened the innings with Mohammad Rizwan. Nevertheless, the decision to split the usual Rizwan-Babar partnership did not pay off, as Ayub fell cheaply for 6 off 12 balls.
Nonetheless, the seasoned duo of Babar and Rizwan steadied the innings with a crucial 63 runs partnership off 62 balls. Babar’s composed innings ensured stability, though he was dismissed just before Pakistan could secure victory. Rizwan, showcasing his experience and skill, remained unbeaten with a run-a-ball 53, guiding Pakistan to victory by seven wickets with 15 balls to spare.