T20 World Cup 2024: Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam Reveals New York Pitch Delayed Chase vs Canada

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Babar Azam is relieved to land Pakistan's first win of the T20 World Cup 2024, but the skipper is slightly disappointed to not win quickly against Canada to boost their net run rate (NRR) even further.

Having suffered back-to-back defeats against USA and India in their first two Group A matches, the game against Canada was a must-win tie for Pakistan. And Babar's side registered a 7-wicket win to stay alive in the Super 8 race.

Chasing a modest target of 107 at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on Tuesday (June 11), Pakistan rode on Mohammad Rizwan's run-a-ball unbeaten 53 and Babar's 33 to get over the line in 17.3 overs.

While Babar was happy to open the account in the tournament, the skipper aid they couldn't complete their chase of 107 in lesser number of overs because of a difficult pitch.

"Good for us, we need this win. We started well with the bowling, in the first six overs we know we had to be up to the mark. It was in our mind (to get over USA's net run rate), to win before 14 overs but the pitch made it difficult," Babar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

After making a run-a-ball 33, Babar was out caught in the slips while trying to guide a delivery down to third man, and the dismissal left the Pakistan skipper angry.

"Because I got out with the same shot twice (against India)! This is my shot but sometimes you need success. I'll try my best," Babar added after repetitive manner of dismissals.

With the win, Pakistan moved from bottom of the table to well within reach of the top two and also boosted their NRR despite sealing a win in the 18th over. However, they still need to win their remaining match and hope other results go their way.

Babar and Co will hope arch-rivals India do them a favour by beating USA. And will also hope Ireland do the same in the next match, to keep their hopes alive of Super 8 spot.

India are currently placed atop Group A with two wins from as many matches with USA following with same number of victories. Pakistan have climbed up to the third spot with two points from three games ahead of Canada and Ireland.

Pakistan will face Ireland in their final Group A match on Sunday (June 16) at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida. USA will face India on June 12 and Ireland on June 14.