Muhammad Rizwan delivered a steady unbeaten half-century to keep Pakistan’s slim hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup Super 8s alive with a seven-wicket victory over Canada in New York.
Aaron Johnson’s aggressive innings, featuring four sixes—the joint most by any player in an innings at this ground—helped Canada post a challenging total of 106-7. Johnson scored a notable 52 off 44 balls.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, led by Mohammad Amir and Haris Rauf, restricted Canada’s scoring. Amir claimed 2-13, while Rauf, who reached 101 T20 international wickets, finished with figures of 2-26.
In Pakistan’s reply, Rizwan and Babar Azam set a solid foundation with a 63-run partnership for the second wicket. Babar was dismissed for 33 off Dilon Heyliger, who took 2-18. Rizwan’s composed run-a-ball 53 guided Pakistan close to the target, before Usman Khan sealed the win with 15 balls remaining.
Pakistan must now defeat Ireland in their final group game in Florida, while also improving their net run rate, and rely on favorable results in other matches to secure a top-two finish in Group A.
Canada, despite the loss, still has a mathematical chance to qualify but faces the daunting task of beating India in their last pool game to stay in contention.
