It was a big day for American cricket at the ICC T20 World Cup being staged in the USA and West Indies.

On Thursday, the USA earned their biggest win to date by stunning the much-more fancied Pakistan in a Super Over in Dallas.

Pakistan scored 159/7 in their 20 overs with Babar Azam scoring 44 while Azam Khan scored 40.

Nosthush Kenjige was the pick of the American bowlers with 3/30 in 4-overs, while Saurabh Netravalkar took 2/18 in his 4.

Monank Patel and Andries Gous - Cricinfo

In reply, the American captain Monank Patel scored 50-runs, Aaron Jones scored 36 not out and the Free Stater Andries Gous scored 35 as the USA posted 159/3, forcing the game into a Super Over.

In the Super Over, the USA posted 18 without the loss of a wicket while Pakistan could only manage 13/1, leaving America to claim an historic victory.

Patel said this was a big achievement for them as an associate nation, but they aren’t going to look too far ahead and the only focus for now will be their next game against India.

“I am happy with the win, playing against Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup and beating them. It was an unbelievable performance from our side,” said Patel.

“Beating Pakistan, it's a big achievement and the World Cup itself is a big achievement. I would say It's a big day for team USA and I would say not just for the USA, but for the USA cricket community too.

“Before the tournament I said earlier also that we want to focus on one game at a time. And our focus would be on playing against India now. We don't even want to think about Ireland right now. So Super 8 is far ahead. We want to just focus on one game at a time.”

Richie Berrington - Cricinfo

Meanwhile, in Bridgetown, Barbados, Scotland beat Namibia by 5-wickets for their first win of the tournament. 

Namibia scored 155/9 in their allotted 20-overs with captain Gerhard Erasmus scoring 52 off 31, and Zane Green scored 28. Brad Wheal took 3/33 for the Scottish.

The Scottish skipper, Richie Berrington led the charge with 47 not out as they chased down the tager in 18.3 overs.

On Friday at 16:30, Canada will be in action against Ireland in New York.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport