T20 World Cup: Pakistan Keep Super 8s Hopes Alive With Win Over Canada

Pakistan kept their Super 8s hopes alive with a victory over Canada in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, as Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Rizwan played a key role in their 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 in desperate search of a win.

Batting first, tournament debutants Canada made 106-7 at the end of 20 overs, as Aaron Johnson struck a half-century, while the rest of their batters struggled against Pakistan’s pace attack.

Amir picked up two wickets, as did Haris Rauf, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi also picked a wicket each.

In response, Pakistan completed their chase in 17 and a half overs, winning the match by seven wickets. Opener Rizwan spearheaded their chase with an unbeaten 53, while captain Babar Azam also chipped in with his run-a-ball 33.

“It’s good for us. We needed this win,” 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’s very difficult to get a big total.”

Babar admitted that Pakistan would have liked to complete the chase in 13 or 14 overs to help their net run rate, but the pitch was tricky.

“… On these pitches, the ball is sometimes coming low or at a different pace,” the skipper added.

Tuesday’s win – Pakistan’s first of the tournament – sent them to the third spot behind leaders India and second-placed USA, both of whom will face off later on Wednesday.

Pakistan and Canada both have two points from three games but Canada are fourth due to a poor net run rate. The Canadians have a net run rate of -0.493, while Pakistan’s NRR is +0.191.

To qualify for the Super 8s, Pakistan must beat Ireland in their final group game and hope one of India or the USA lose in both their final two matches.

“We are going to change our mindset [against Ireland],” Babar said.

“We will try to take our best cricket there [to Lauderhill, Florida]. The conditions are much better there.”

Pakistan have played 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 side won 2-1.