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The 11th game of the T20 World Cup 2024 will see the USA taking on Pakistan at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, starting at 8:00 PM IST on June 6. This match marks a significant occasion as it is the first time the Pakistan cricket team enters a T20 World Cup with tempered expectations.
Pakistan Team Overview
Pakistan’s recent form has been less than stellar, leading to diminished expectations from fans and analysts alike. The team has faced a series of defeats, including two losses at home to New Zealand’s second-string side, a shocking defeat to Ireland, and a 2-0 series loss to England. Additionally, key players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have struggled to find their form, which has further compounded Pakistan’s woes. Despite a strong bowling lineup on paper, recent performances have left much to be desired.
Key Players for Pakistan:
- Babar Azam: As the team’s captain and one of the world’s premier T20 batters, Babar’s performance will be crucial. He recently became the first Pakistani to score over 4000 runs in T20Is.
- Fakhar Zaman: Known for his aggressive batting, Fakhar has shown glimpses of form in recent matches and will be vital in providing a strong start.
- Shadab Khan: Though out of form, Shadab’s all-round abilities could be pivotal. His leg-spin and lower-order batting might turn the game in Pakistan’s favor.
- Shaheen Afridi: Leading the pace attack, Shaheen’s ability to swing the ball could be a significant threat to the USA’s batting lineup.
USA Team Overview
The USA team comes into this game with high spirits, having secured a stunning victory over Canada by chasing down a formidable target of 195. Key players like Aaron Jones and Andries Gous have been instrumental in their success, showcasing their capability to perform on big stages.
Key Players for USA:
- Aaron Jones: His explosive innings of 94 runs from 40 balls against Canada, featuring 10 sixes, marks him as a key player. His ability to score quickly can put any bowling attack under pressure.
- Andries Gous: Gous’s solid 65 against Canada demonstrates his reliability at the top of the order.
- Corey Anderson: With extensive international experience, Anderson’s dual role as a big-hitting batsman and handy bowler makes him a vital asset.
- Saurabh Netravalkar: Leading the bowling attack, Netravalkar’s consistency and experience will be crucial in taking early wickets against Pakistan.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
- TV Channels: Star Sports, PTV, Ten Sports, Willow TV, ESPN Caribbean, Sky Cricket, Sky Sport NZ, SuperSport.
- Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar, Myco, Tamasha, ESPN Play Caribbean, SkyGO, NOW TV, Prime Video, SuperSport.
Toss and Pitch Report
Captains are likely to prefer chasing, as USA successfully chased 195 in the previous game. The pitch at Grand Prairie Stadium has shown varied behavior, generally favoring bowlers. Teams winning the toss might opt to field first to exploit any early assistance from the surface.
Team News
- USA: Likely to retain the same XI that defeated Canada.
- Pakistan: Imad Wasim is out due to a side strain, and Babar Azam faces a selection dilemma regarding Azam Khan’s form. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf are expected to lead the pace attack.
Match Prediction
Given Pakistan’s superior experience and on-paper strength, they are the favorites. However, the USA team has shown they are capable of pulling off upsets, especially if their key players perform as they did against Canada. The Grand Prairie pitch has been unpredictable, with previous matches showing a tendency to favor bowlers. The weather in Dallas is expected to be clear, with a temperature around 24 degrees Celsius and moderate humidity, providing ideal conditions for a competitive match.
While Pakistan are the favorites, the USA has the potential to challenge them, especially if their top-order batsmen fire. However, the quality and experience of Pakistan’s bowling attack might prove too formidable for the USA to overcome.
Prediction: Pakistan to win.
