Pakistan is set to kick off its T20 World Cup campaign on Thursday with a match against hosts the United States of America. The match will be played in Dallas, Texas, and will begin at 8:30 PM Pakistan time.
Pakistan heads into the World Cup on the back of recent defeats against England, which may affect their confidence. Additionally, the team is dealing with the setback of losing Imad Wasim to an injury. Despite these challenges, Pakistan is looking to make a strong start in the tournament.
On the other hand, the USA has already had a successful start to the tournament. This victory has boosted their morale and they will be keen to maintain their winning momentum.
Likely Playing XIs
Pakistan:
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Babar Azam
- Usman Khan
- Fakhar Zaman
- Azam Khan
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Amir
- Abrar Ahmed
USA:
- Steven Taylor
- Monank Patel (captain)
- Andries Gous (wicketkeeper)
- Aaron Jones
- Nitish Kumar
- Corey Anderson
- Harmeet Singh
- Shadley van Schalkwyk
- Jasdeep Singh
- Ali Khan
- Saurabh Netravalkar
Pitch and Conditions
Dallas experienced heavy rain in the days leading up to the tournament, but the weather has been mostly dry since the World Cup began. This trend is expected to continue on Thursday, allowing for a full game without interruption.
The pitch has provided early seam movement and good bounce in the first two matches, making it a challenging surface for batsmen. However, the opening match at this venue saw the two highest scores of the tournament so far, suggesting that there is also potential for high-scoring encounters if batsmen can navigate the initial movement.
Overall, both teams will be looking to leverage their strengths to secure a win in this crucial opening match.
I am an accomplished graduate of Strategic Studies, driven by a fervent dedication to comprehending global affairs and devising impactful strategies. Equipped with a comprehensive skill set encompassing research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication, I possess a distinctive viewpoint and an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making processes. As a versatile individual, I excel in collaborating with diverse groups in various settings, leveraging my strong interpersonal abilities to adapt seamlessly to new environments and surmount any challenges that arise. With a passion for contributing to strategic initiatives, I am eager to leverage my expertise and drive to effect positive change within the field.
