Pakistan stay alive at T20 World Cup with seven-wicket victory over Canada

Mohammad Rizwan scored a fantastic fifty to guide Pakistan to a campaign-saving seven-wicket win over Canada in the T20 World Cup 2024 match in New York on Tuesday.

This was Pakistan's first win of the tournament after suffering back-to-back losses to the USA and India.

Earlier, Pakistan pacers made full use of bowling-friendly conditions as they reduced Canada to 107 for 7 in 20 overs.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions and runners-up in 2022, lost both their first two Group A fixtures.

A stunning super-over humiliation at the hands of the United States was followed by a six-run loss to bitter rivals India in a game where they failed to chase down a modest 120-run target.

Even a win on Tuesday at the same Nassau County International Stadium where they came up short against India may not be enough to secure a place in the second round Super Eights.

Pakistan started poorly with Shaheen Afridi conceding 11 in the first over with back-to-back boundaries on the first two balls.

However, they successfully pulled things back, thanks to an exceptional spell of 2/13 by Mohammad Amir. Haris Rauf also took two wickets for 26 runs in his four-over spell, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi bagged one wicket each for 24 and 21 runs, respectively.

Aaron Johnson was the top scorer for Canada with a 44-ball 55.

Earlier, Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bowl first in a must-win game.

“There is a bit of grass on the pitch,” said Pakistan skipper Babar Azam as he spoke to the presenter after the toss.

Canada captain, Saad bin Zafar said, he would have bowled first too, but backed his team to defend any total.

This is a do-or-die game for Pakistan as they have lost the first two games against India and the USA by close margins. A loss tonight will knock Pakistan out of the mega event.