Dallas (USA), Jun 6: Newcomers USA stunned former champions Pakistan via the Super Over to cause the first big upset of the ongoing T20 World Cup here on Thursday.
Asked to bat first, Pakistan scored 159 for seven in the allotted 20 overs. The USA produced a fine show and ended at 159 for three.
In the Super Over, USA smashed 18 runs for the loss of one wicket and Pakistan could manage only 13 for one.
The result is reminiscent of Pakistan's shocking loss to Ireland in the 2007 ODI World Cup.
Ireland were playing in their first World Cup then.
Skipper Monank Patel struck a fluent 50 off 38 balls Andries Gous contributed 35 in 26 balls. Aaron Jones, the hero of USA's win over Canada in the tournament opener, remained not out on 36 in 26 balls.
Earlier, captain Babar Azam top-scored for Pakistan with 44 while Shadab Khan chipped in with 40.
For USA, Nosthush Kenjige was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing three wickets for 30 runs.
USA started the campaign with a win over Canada, and a victory on Thursday not only boosted their position in the table, but also helped them script history.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 159 for 7 in 20 overs (Babar Azam 44, Shadab Khan 40; Nosthush Kenjige 3/30).
USA: 159 for 3 in 20 overs (Monank Patel 50, Andries Gous 35).
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Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
