‘This is insane’: United States stun cricket world

History has been made and jaws have dropped as the United States did the unthinkable at the Cricket World Cup.

The United States has beaten Pakistan in “the biggest upset in World Cup history”.

The tournament hosts won on the final ball of a thrilling T20 World Cup Super Over in wild scenes in Dallas, Texas, on Friday morning.

Both teams made 159 in their regulation 20 overs, with non-Test nation the United States then setting Pakistan 19 to win in the Super Over. US pace bowler Saurabh Netravalkar held his nerve as Pakistan made 13-1 in reply.

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Pakistan were restricted to 159-7, with India-born left-arm paceman Netravalkar taking a miserly 2-18, after being sent into bat in their first match of the tournament.

The United States’ innings ended in dramatic fashion when Nitish Kumar hit a four off a last-ball full toss from Haris Rauf as the tournament co-hosts, who beat Canada in their opening match, finished on 159-3.

Before today, the United States had only previously defeated Ireland and Bangladesh — out of the traditional Test playing nations — in Twenty20 cricket and the Group A win over Pakistan is a moment of history.

USA's Saurabh Nethralvakar celebrates. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP.

Jasdeep Singh of the United States celebrates dismissing Babar Azam. Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP.

USA's Vice Captain Aaron Jones (R) and Nitish Kumar celebrate after scoring and bringing the game to a super over. Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP.

Pakistan veteran Mohammad Amir was entrusted with the Super Over but bowled several wides with panic fielding, that led to wild overthrows, also helping the United States score 18 runs.

Netravalkar bowled a wide with the third ball of his Super Over but next delivery he had Iftikhar Ahmed brilliantly caught low down in the deep by Kumar.

And with seven needed off the last ball, Shadab Khan was unable to manage the six that would have forced a second Super Over.

The cricket world has reacted with amazement with Cricinfo branding it an “insane” result.

Former England Test captain Michael Vaughan wrote on Twitter: “Incredible performance by

United States. A performance so far so typical of Pakistan.

“Now that’s how you grow the game in the States.”

Aussie cricket great Lisa Sthalekar wrote: “Cricket has arrived in America!! USA beat Pakistan in round games. This is a huge outcome for the game and the tournament.”

Indian cricket legend Virender Sehwag wrote: “Wow Netravalkar and Kumar doing it for Amreeka against Pakistan. What a Great day for US cricket. Truly incredible.”

BBC cricket commentator Daniel Norcross wrote: “Good grief. Biggest upset in World Cup history, surely. Stunning.”

Cricket commentator Melinda Farrell also posted: “This is beyond huge. It’s seismic. USA have well and truly hit the big time!”

— with AFP

Originally published as ‘This is insane’: United States stun cricket world