In a pivotal match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan registered their first win by defeating Canada by 7 wickets. The match, held at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 11, 2024, saw Pakistan effectively chase down a target of 107 runs.

Johnson’s Resilient 52 anchors Canada’s innings

Winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam chose to field first, putting Canada in to bat. Canada managed to post a total of 106/7 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to a well-played 52 runs by their key batsman, Johnson. Despite his valiant effort, the Canadian batting lineup struggled against the formidable Pakistani pace attack.

Pakistan’s bowlers shine

The Pakistani bowlers, rebounding from criticism following their previous matches, delivered a disciplined performance. Their combined efforts ensured that Canada couldn’t build significant partnerships, restricting them to a modest total.

Rizwan and Babar steer the chase

In response, Pakistan’s opening duo, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, displayed exceptional skill and composure. Their innings laid a solid foundation for the chase. Rizwan’s fluent strokes and Babar’s calculated aggression ensured Pakistan reached the target comfortably with 7 wickets in hand.

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Pakistan’s response to criticism

This victory comes after Pakistan faced significant criticism following their narrow six-run defeat to India. Gary Kirsten, the new coach, emphasized the need for players to evolve, and the team responded with a strong performance. Despite concerns over the lack of a quality spinner, Pakistan’s pace attack proved too strong for the Canadian lineup.

With this win, Pakistan not only gained crucial points but also boosted their morale for the upcoming matches. They will need to maintain this momentum as they continue their campaign in the T20 World Cup. Canada, on the other hand, will look to regroup and prepare for their next encounter against India on June 15.

Overall, Pakistan’s first win in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 was marked by significant contributions from key players, particularly Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Their performances will be crucial as Pakistan aims to advance in the tournament and overcome the challenges ahead.