USA stun Pakistan in T20 World Cup after super-over

The United States won a thrilling super-over to seal a famous victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Dallas.

The result makes it two wins from two for the USA after they defeated Canada on Saturday, and puts them top of Group A.

Ireland prop up the five-team table after an eight-wicket defeat to India on Wednesday.

After USA and Pakistan finished their innings on 159 in their Group A match at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, the tournament co-hosts held their nerve to pull off a major upset.

Batting first in the super-over, the USA made 18 for one, with Aaron Jones on 11 before being run out and seven runs coming via extras.

Iftikhar Ahmed then took Pakistan to five for none off three balls in their super over before he was brilliantly caught by Nitish Kumar close to the boundary and USA bowler Saurabh Netravalkar restricted them to 13 for one.

In their regulation innings, Pakistan made a slow start, recovering from 26 for three in the fifth over to reach 159 for seven.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam hit two sixes in his 43-ball 44, Shadab Khan struck 40 off 25 deliveries and number eight Shaheen Afridi plundered 23 not out off 16.

The USA, appeared to be cruising in reply, as they reached 104 for one in the 14th over.

Skipper Monank Patel’s 38-ball 50 and Andries Gous’ 35 off 26 deliveries left them needing 56 to win off 44 balls.

But after Monank was dismissed in the 15th over it needed a six from Jones off the penultimate ball and a four from Kumar off the final delivery to tie the match and force the super over.

Both sides will play India in New York in their next match, with Pakistan facing them on Sunday and the USA next Wednesday.

Ireland will hope to get off the mark against Canada in New York on Friday, before travelling to Florida, where they will face the USA on 14 June and Pakistan on 16 June.