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In a stunning turn of events, co-hosts USA began their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a stunning victory over the Babar Azam-led Pakistan on Thursday. The match was intensely competitive, culminating in a tie and heading into a Super Over. The USA team held their nerves and executed a remarkable performance in the Super Over, securing an unexpected win against the formidable Men in Green.
Rusty Theron accuses Haris Rauf of ball tampering
After the game, veteran USA cricketer Rusty Theron made headlines by accusing Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf of ball tampering. Theron, who has previously represented South Africa, alleged that Rauf was attempting to alter the condition of the ball using his fingernail.
“@icc are we just going to pretend Pakistan aren’t scratching the hell out of this freshly changed ball? Reversing the ball that’s just been changed 2 overs ago? You can literally see Harris Rauf running his thumb nail over the ball at the top of his mark. @usacricket #PakvsUSA,” Theron wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
@ICC are we just going to pretend Pakistan aren't scratching the hell out of this freshly changed ball? Reversing the ball that's just been changed 2 overs ago? You can literally see Harris Rauf running his thumb nail over the ball at the top of his mark. @usacricket #PakvsUSA
— Rusty Theron (@RustyTheron) June 6, 2024
Also READ: Cricket world bows down to USA’s incredible victory over Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2024
Rauf’s performance in the final over
Rauf was tasked with bowling the crucial final over of the regular match, with the USA needing 15 runs to clinch victory. Rauf started strongly, conceding only three runs from the first three deliveries. However, Aaron Jones then struck a six over the leg-side, followed by a single. With the last ball, Nitish Kumar managed to clear the mid-off fielder, securing a four and bringing the match to a dramatic tie.
Monank Patel on the win over Pakistan
USA captain Monank Patel expressed his elation following their landmark victory against Pakistan. Patel emphasized the significance of this win for USA cricket and its potential to boost the sport’s profile in the country.
“I am happy with the win, playing against Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup and beating them was an unbelievable performance from our side. So yeah, I would say it’s a big day for Team USA and for the USA cricket community too. Of course, beating Pakistan in the World Cup is going to open many doors for us. Obviously, hosting the World Cup in USA and performing here as a team, it helps us to grow cricket in the USA,” Monank stated after the game.
Before the World Cup, the USA team demonstrated their prowess by defeating Bangladesh 2-1 in a three-match home T20I series. Following their victory over Canada in the World Cup opener, they now have two wins from two games. With upcoming matches against India and Ireland, one more victory could propel them into contention for the Super 8
