USA Opt to Bowl as Pakistan Look to Move Past Dallas Shock
News Desk
Islamabad: The United States won the toss and chose to field first against Pakistan in their T20 World Cup clash, backing conditions and confidence to aid a chase.
USA captain Monank Patel said the surface looked good for batting and the evening breeze could play a role.
“It looks like a good batting track and there is a consistent breeze here, so once we know the target it will be easier for us to chase,” Patel said. Reflecting on their tournament start, he added that the focus was on delivering with both bat and ball against top teams.
Patel also drew motivation from the USA’s famous win over Pakistan in Dallas in 2024, calling it a confidence booster.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha struck a calm note at the toss, referencing his side’s opening match against the Netherlands. “I am hoping we will be much better today,” he said, adding that Pakistan had been playing strong cricket in recent months and were keen to maintain consistency.
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Pakistan’s pace bowler Salman Mirza insisted the shock super-over defeat to the USA two years ago was firmly in the past. “Winning and losing are part of the game,” Mirza said. “That defeat is behind us.”
He also warned against underestimating opponents in the T20 format, describing the competition as one where no team can be taken lightly.
USA leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin, meanwhile, suggested the pressure lay with Pakistan. Born in Pakistan and now representing the USA, Mohsin said his team was more skilled and confident than before and better prepared for the challenge.
Pakistan named a strong XI featuring Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, captain Salman Agha, Babar Azam, wicketkeeper Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq and Abrar Ahmed.
The USA fielded Andries Gous as wicketkeeper alongside Shayan Jahangir, captain Monank Patel, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ehsan Adil and Saurabh Netravalkar.
With memories of Dallas still lingering and both captains projecting confidence, the stage was set for another intriguing chapter in this growing rivalry.
