T20 World Cup 2024: CAN vs PAK - Who Said What?

Pakistan entered match no. 22 on the back of two losses in their previous encounters, as this time they had to face an inexperienced Canadian side at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York. Finally, the Men in Green won their first game of the T20 World Cup 2024, keeping their hopes alive for the Super Eight as they outplayed the Saad Bin Zafar and Co.

In a must-win game, Babar won an important toss and chose to field first, which proved extremely vital on a difficult New York pitch. The decision proved to be right as they got two wickets of Navneet Dhaliwal (4 off 7) and Pargat Singh (2 off 6) in the powerplay.

On one side, Canada was facing a middle-order collapse as none of their batters could get past the double-digit score. While their one batter, Aaron Johnson was solely trying to build an innings to make sure his side reached a defendable total. Canada finished on 106/7 at the end of the innings, in which Johnson's share was 52 runs. In his 44-ball stay, he smashed four boundaries and four sixes. Mohammad Amir was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, finishing his spell with 2/13. 

In reply, Pakistan were determined to chase down the low total and not repeat the same mistake which they made a few days back against India at the same venue. Though Canada started well as they got rid of Saim Ayub early, from there on it was that important partnership of 63 runs from skipper Babar and Mohammad Rizwan that sealed the deal for them.

1. Babar-Rizwan save Pakistan

Pakistan would not have won if Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan hadn't stitched that crucial partnership. However, over the years, Pakistan has often been a side that has made a comeback when they are down and out. Babar, who was inching closer to his half-century, was dismissed for 33 runs while Rizwan smashed his 29th T20I half-century ending with a score of 53 runs.

2. Canada make it tough for themselves to progress to Super Eight

With two defeats, Canada need to win the next match against India by a big margin to have a chance to advance to the Super Eight phase. It will not be easy for them because their opponent is on a roll after the win against Pakistan. The team will look to put in more effort, focus on the smaller details, and try to deliver a stronger fight.

Here's what losing skipper Saad Bin Zafar said:

Was a bit disappointing. The wicket was difficult to bat on. The Pakistani bowlers bowled well. We were about 25-30 short. We needed to get some early wickets. We don't get to play high calibre teams. Johnson played well. Kirton's run-out was crucial. Lot of positives to take from this game.

Here's what winning skipper Babar Azam said:

Good for us. We needed this win. Credit to team. We started well. If you take wickets with the new ball. We had NRR on the back of the mind. The first six overs are very crucial here. You assess after 6 overs. Then we tried to take on the spinners. We are going to go with the same mindset. The conditions at Florida should be better from here as well. I got out to the same shot. So, I was angry. I still try my level best.

Here's what POTM Mohammad Amir said:

As a bowler, you have to adapt to any conditions. I was just trying to hit the right areas, the conditions were demanding. As a professional you've to be clear in your role, I know I have to bowl with the new ball and at the death, I'm ready for anything. I bowled the awayswinger for 3-4 deliveries, I then decided to swing it back in (on the dismissal of Dhaliwal). Much needed win, we've to win the next match and then who knows?