Mohammad Rizwan (right) scored a half-century to lead his team’s chase. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. … [+]
Pakistan kept their Super 8 hopes alive with a victory over Canada in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, with Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Rizwan playing a key role in the much-needed result.
After suffering a shock defeat to co-hosts USA in the first match and then falling to arch-rivals India, Pakistan entered Tuesday’s match desperately searching for a victory.
Batting first, tournament debutants Canada were 106-7 at the end of 20 overs as Aaron Johnson scored a half-century as the rest of their batsmen struggled against Pakistan’s fast attack.
Amir took two wickets, as did Haris Rauf, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi also took one wicket each.
In response, Pakistan completed the chase in 17 and a half overs, winning the match by seven wickets. Opener Rizwan led the chase with an unbeaten 53 while captain Babar Azam also contributed 33 run-a-ball.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam is under pressure after losing the first two matches in the … [+]
“It’s good for us. We needed this victory,” Babar said at the post-match ceremony.
“We started well with the bowling. The first six overs need to be up to the mark, and if you take wickets it is very difficult to get a big total.
Babar admitted that Pakistan would like to complete the chase in 13 or 14 overs to increase their net run rate, but the pitch was tricky.
“…On these fields, the ball sometimes comes low or at a different pace”, added the captain.
Tuesday’s victory – Pakistan’s first in the tournament – moved the country into third place, behind leaders India and second-placed USA, who will meet later on Wednesday.
Pakistan and Canada have two points from three games, but Canada are in fourth place due to a low net run rate. Canadians have a net run rate of -0.493, while Pakistan’s NRR is +0.191.
To qualify for the Super 8, Pakistan must beat Ireland in the final group game and hope that either India or the USA lose in the final two matches.
“Let’s change our mindset [against Ireland],” Babar said.
“We will try to take our best cricket there [to Lauderhill, Florida]. Conditions are much better there.”
Pakistan have played against Ireland in four T20 internationals, winning three times and losing once.
Just before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan toured Ireland for a three-match series, which Babar’s team won 2-1.
