Aaron Jones inspires USA to super-over win against Pakistan in T20 World Cup

Jones hits 36 in match and 11 in decider.

DRAMATIC WIN: Aaron Jones was the hero, hitting an unbeaten 36 in the chase, before striking 11 in the one-over decider to set a target of 19. Pic: AP Photo/Julio Cortez

The United States won a thrilling super over to seal a famous victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup in Dallas. After both sides finished their innings on 159 in their Group A match at the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, the tournament co-hosts held their nerve to pull off a major upset and make it back-to-back wins in the tournament.

Batting first in the super over, the USA made 18 for one, with Aaron Jones on 11 before being run out and seven runs coming via extras.

Iftikhar Ahmed then took Pakistan to five for none off three balls in their super over before he was brilliantly caught by Nitish Kumar close to the boundary and USA bowler Saurabh Netravalkar restricted them to 13 for one.

In their regulation innings, Pakistan made a slow start, recovering from 26 for three in the fifth over to reach 159 for seven. Pakistan captain Babar Azam hit two sixes in his 43-ball 44, Shadab Khan struck 40 off 25 deliveries and No 8 Shaheen Afridi managed 23 not out off 16.

The USA, who beat Canada by seven wickets in their first match on Saturday, appeared to be cruising in reply, as they reached 104 for one in the 14th over. Captain Monank Patel’s 38-ball 50 and Andries Gous’ 35 off 26 deliveries left them needing 56 to win off 44 balls.

However, after Monank was dismissed in the 15th over it needed a six from Jones off the penultimate ball and a six from Kumar off the final delivery to tie the match and force the super over.

Both sides face India in New York in their next matches, with Pakistan playing on Sunday and the USA next Wednesday.