"We beat Pakistan in all four departments, including fitness" - Ali Khan confident of repeating T20 World Cup 2024 heroics in next Pakistan meeting

USA pacer Ali Khan expressed confidence that his side could beat Pakistan again, similar to their 2024 T20 World Cup win. In one of the most stunning upsets, minnows USA stunned Pakistan in their Group A clash at Dallas.

The co-hosts restricted the Asian giants to a manageable total of 159/7 in 20 overs. In reply, the USA coasted to 111/2 in 14 overs before fluffing up their chance in the final stages to finish on level terms at 159/3 in 20 overs.

However, they remained unflustered and scored a massive 18 in the Super Over, setting Pakistan a stiff 19 off six deliveries to win. Babar Azam's side succumbed to the pressure and managed only 13/1 to suffer a five-run defeat.

Recalling that encounter in an interview with a local sports platform, Ali Khan was quoted by Cricket Pakistan as saying:

"We weren't under pressure, they were. We knew we were capable of beating them. We beat Pakistan in all four departments, including fitness."

He added:

"We are capable enough of beating them (the Men in Green) again. No disrespect to them, but I think we are a really good side, if we have a full-strength squad we can beat any team on our day, not just Pakistan but it will be a great game of we play them again."

Ali Khan had an excellent outing, picking up the wicket of dangerman Fakhar Zaman and finishing with figures of 1/30 in four overs.

USA advanced to the Super Eights of the 2024 T20 World Cup

USA v Pakistan - ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024 - Source: Getty

USA's upset win over Pakistan shook Group A as the co-hosts joined India as the second team to advance to the Super Eights.

While they finished on five points after the group stage, Pakistan ended on four points to be eliminated from the tournament. USA also gave a scare to eventual champions India in the game after the Pakistan encounter before going down in the 19th over.

They also started the Super Eights with a promising performance against South Africa, losing only by 18 runs. However, things went south from then as the USA suffered heavy defeats in their final two outings against the West Indies and England to finish at the bottom of the Super Eight Group 2 table.