... THE RUN CHASE ...

Right then, the USA may have restricted Pakistan on an average score but they will have to chase it down, and it surely won't be a cakewalk for them. They will have to battle it out against the fiery Pakistani pace battery to get their second victory. Pakistan will aim to reap the benefits from the surface and get those early breakthroughs to push their opponents on the back foot from the get-go. Stick around and stay tuned as the chase is up next in just a few moments.

Nosthush KenjigeÂ is in for a flash interview. He says that they are pretty pleased to restrict Pakistan to 159 but feels that it is still half the job done. Shares that it is a very good wicket and they are looking forward to the chase. Adds that they know that Pakistan are a strong side but they believe in their abilities. Tells that they would have taken this target before the start of the game. Hopes that the team can bat well to get over the line.

The USA seamers were sharp, maintaining tight lines and lengths, giving no room to the batters. The ball moved around a lot, and the bowlers took full advantage of the assistance from the surface. Saurabh Netravalkar dismissed Rizwan with a beauty, thanks to a stunning catch from Steven Taylor. Nosthush KenjigeÂ and Ali Khan also chipped in with wickets in quick succession. Although Pakistan managed to score quickly around the halfway mark and were hinting towards a big score, Nosthush Kenjige's

An incredible bowling performance from the USA through and through as they restrict Pakistan to a below-par score. Pakistan were sent in to bat first and immediately found themselves in trouble, looking unsettled from the start. Mohammad Rizwan managed to hit a six, but couldn't add any more. Usman Khan fell while attempting an unnecessary shot, and Fakhar Zaman hit a couple of boundaries before being undone by extra bounce and pace. Pakistan crawled through the Powerplay, losing three key wicke

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, Yes, he can!

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, ! IN THE ARC AND OF THE PARK! Ali Khan goes searching for the yorker as he charges in from around the wicket. It comes out as a slot ball and Shaheen Afridi does not miss out. Right in the wheelhouse for Shaheen who swings through the line and hits it over the sightscreen for a maximum. Ali Khan knew it as soon as he released it. Can Ali close out well here?

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, Wide!

Ali Khan to Haris Rauf, Around off on a fuller length, Haris RaufÂ swings hard in the air and the ball just falls ahead of long on for a single.

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, Gets the yorker in, outside off, Shaheen Afridi jams it out wide of cover and takes a single.

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, No run.

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, Oh, what happened there?

Ali KhanÂ (3-0-20-1) to bowl the final over of the first inning.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, Goes straight up but luckily for Shaheen Afridi, it lands in no man's land!

Saurabh Netravalkar to Haris Rauf, Gets away it does Netravalkar! Low full toss, angling away, outside off, Haris Rauf loses his shape and hacks it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for just one.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, 1 run.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, ! A gift and Shaheen Afridi accepts it gleefully! Pakistan need many more of these. Saurabh Netravalkar gets it horribly wrong as he dishes out a juicy full toss, outside off, Shaheen Afridi brings his long levers into play and spanks it over wide long on for a biggie.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Haris Rauf, Serves it on a good length, on off, Haris Rauf drives it nicely to the right of cover for a single.

Haris RaufÂ is in at number 9.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! TRAPPED PLUMB IN FRONT! Or is it?

Saurabh NetravalkarÂ (3-0-8-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, No run.

Ali Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Ali is bowling to the field here against the dangerous Iftikhar Ahmed. With a deep backward point in place, gets the yorker in, outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed gets his bat down and digs it out wide of cover for one.

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, Changes his angle as he comes from around the wicket and serves it on a fullish length, outside off, Shaheen Afridi jams it out wide of cover for a single.

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, Four!

Ali Khan to Shaheen Afridi, No run.

Ali Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Steams in from around the wicket and nails the yorker near the tramline on off, Iftikhar Ahmed reaches out and squeezes it out to deep backward point for one.

Ali KhanÂ (2-0-13-1) is back into the attack.

Corey Anderson to Shaheen Afridi, Drags the length back and it is quicker as well, on middle, Shaheen Afridi shapes up for the big shot on the leg side but the ball is not full enough for him to get underneath it. Hits him near the sticker of the bat and it dies down on the wicket.

Corey Anderson to Shaheen Afridi, No run.

Corey Anderson to Iftikhar Ahmed, Floats it up, full and angling in, on off, Iftikhar Ahmed drives it to the left of long off where Harmeet Singh runs around and keeps it down to one.

Corey Anderson to Iftikhar Ahmed, Takes pace off slightly and goes fuller as well, in the channel on off, Iftikhar Ahmed has a tentative prod at it, only to be beaten on the outside edge.

Corey Anderson to Iftikhar Ahmed, Four!

Corey Anderson to Shaheen Afridi, Starts from over the wicket and bowls it on a short of a good length, on middle, Shaheen Afridi gets inside the line and tickles it down to short fine leg for a single.

Corey AndersonÂ is introduced into the attack for the first time.

Jessy Singh to Shaheen Afridi, Serves it on a back of a length, around off, Shaheen Afridi waits back in his crease and steers it down to deep third for a single.

Shaheen AfridiÂ comes out at number 8.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, ! PLUMB IN FRONT! A loud shout and up goes the finger! This looks dead-straight but Babar Azam takes the review, after having a word with Iftikhar Ahmed.

Jessy Singh to Iftikhar Ahmed, Lands it on a hard length, on off, Iftikhar Ahmed pushes it from the crease in front of cover for a single.

Jessy Singh to Iftikhar Ahmed, Four!

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, Hurls it on a good length, on off, Babar Azam drops it with soft hands wide of point for a single.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, ! Cracking shot and Jessy Singh under presssure straight away! Bangs it on a shortish length, outside off, Babar Azam gets on his toes and rides the bounce well before slapping it over deep point for a biggie.

Harmeet Singh to Iftikhar Ahmed, Flighted full and on off, Iftikhar AhmedÂ drives it straight to point.

Harmeet Singh to Iftikhar Ahmed, Fuller in length this time, outside off, Iftikhar AhmedÂ pushes it to the off side.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Good length, on leg, Babar AzamÂ punches it off the back foot toward cover-point for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Four!

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, No run.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Drifts it down leg, on a good length, Babar AzamÂ looks to tuck it away but misses. Wide.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Good length, on leg, Babar AzamÂ goes to flick at it but gets hit on the pad.

Ali Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, ! Streaky but will do for Iftikhar Ahmed! Bowls it full and just around off from over the wicket, Iftikhar AhmedÂ gets ahead and frees his arms at it trying to get it through the covers but the ball takes the outside edge instead and bullets down to the right of the leaping wicket-keeper for a boundary at deep third.

Ali Khan to Babar Azam, Short, wide of off, Babar AzamÂ climbs on the bounce and pats it through cover-point for a single.

Ali Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, On the back of a length, outside off, Iftikhar AhmedÂ cuts it along the grass through backward point for a single. A good slide in the deep from the fielder, saves three.

Ali Khan to Babar Azam, Short in length, outside off, and further climbs on the bounce, Babar AzamÂ cuts it fine towards deep third for a single.

Ali Khan to Iftikhar Ahmed, Hits the length hard, on the stumps, Iftikhar AhmedÂ nudges it along the ground to square leg for a quick single. 100 up for Pakistan.

Ali Khan to Babar Azam, Good length, wide of off, Babar AzamÂ slashes it to deep backward point for a single.

Iftikhar Ahmed is in at number 7.

Nosthush Kenjige to Iftikhar Ahmed, Full and straight on middle, Iftikhar AhmedÂ leans ahead and confidently defends it off.

Nosthush Kenjige to Azam Khan, ! lbw b Nosthush Kenjige.

Azam Khan comes out to the middle.

Nosthush Kenjige to Shadab Khan, ! TAKEN! A million-dollar wicket for USA and just at the right time! Nosthush KenjigeÂ breaks a brewing partnership and Pakistan are 4 down now.

A halt in play as the physio is out to attend to Shadab Khan, who seems to be struggling due to the heat. Shadab sips on some fluids before putting the helmet back on and he is ready to resume.

Nosthush Kenjige to Shadab Khan, Good running! Slower through the air, on middle and angling further into the batter, Shadab KhanÂ stays leg side of the ball and nudges it with soft hands, and along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, AND ! A good attempt though by Steven Taylor! Quicker knee-length full toss on off, Shadab KhanÂ gets underneath and picks it over long on. Steven TaylorÂ leaps but misjudges his jump and the ball sails just over his hands for a six.

Nosthush Kenjige to Shadab Khan, Flatter and on leg, Shadab KhanÂ wrists it to widish long on for a couple of more runs.

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, Around the wicket, full and on off, Babar AzamÂ advances down the pitch to tuck it to the leg side for one.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Fuller in length, and outside off, Babar AzamÂ drives it with an open bat's face towards sweeper cover for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, Darts in a yorker on off, Shadab KhanÂ squeezes it out to point for a quick single.Â

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, ! Nicely played! Drops it right into the hitting arc on middle, Shadab KhanÂ clears his front leg, picks it across the angle over mid-wicket for a one-bounce boundary in the deep.

Harmeet Singh (2-0-9-0) comes back into the attack.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, 1 run.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, ! Babar gets on the aggressive route now! Harmeet SinghÂ drops it well outside off, on a fuller length, Babar AzamÂ latches onto it and skips down the track before smoking it downtown for a massive six.

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, 1 run.

Nosthush Kenjige to Shadab Khan, 1 run.

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, Brings the angle closer to the body on a length, Babar AzamÂ goes back into the crease and plays it to long on for one.

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, ! Shot! Drops it full and around off, Babar AzamÂ gets his dancing shoes on and picks it up over mid on for a boundary on a couple of bounces at widish long off.

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, No run.

Drinks! Time for a breather as the players take a hydration break. But boy, oh boy! This has been some bowling performance by the USA bowlers. They squeezed Pakistani batters for runs and also dismissed three key batters cheaply and dominated the Powerplay. However, Shadab Khan and Babar Azam have just started displaying hints of aggression by plucking 20 runs in the over just before the break. With a good set of hitters yet to come, these two will definitely aim to break the shackles from here

Nosthush Kenjige to Shadab Khan, Loops it on the fuller length, angling on the pads, Shadab KhanÂ gets an inside edge to short fine for a single.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, Four!

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, Too straight by Jessy, full and sliding on the pads, Shadab Khan flicks it through backward square leg and gets to the other end.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, This is on a back of a length, over middle, Babar Azam mistimes the pull to deep backward square leg for one.

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, 1 run.

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, Wide!

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, ! More in control and hopefully, this twin sixes will set things in motion for Shadab Khan and Pakistan. Jessy goes into the wicket again, on middle, Shadab Khan skips down the track and nails the pull in front of square on the leg side this time for half a dozen.

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, ! Shadab Khan finally gets one away! A much-needed maximum for Pakistan.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, The call is for 'two' and they get it. A bit slower and straighter, around leg, Babar Azam gets on the back foot and whips it to the right of long on for a couple of runs. Still just 6 runs off the over as Pakistan's struggle to get going continues.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, 1 run.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Leg bye.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Sees the batter make room and follows him does Harmeet, on a nagging length, Babar Azam adjusts and nudges it through square leg for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, Shadab makes the early move towards the leg side and Harmeet reacts by tucking up for room, slower and on a short length, Shadab Khan helps it away to the left of short fine leg for one.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, No run.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, Hits the deck hard, over middle, Babar Azam moves to the leg side early again and flat-bats it down to long on for one. The USA continue to keep the squeeze on even after the Powerplay.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, Cracked away but straight to the fielder. Jessy lands it full and on middle, Babar Azam premeditates as he backs away and drills it along the ground but straight to mid off.

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, 1 run.

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, Slanting in, on a good length, on middle and leg, Shadab Khan gives the bowler the charge but gets tucked up for room as he looks to play at it. Gets an inside edge that races to the left of short fine leg for a couple of runs.

Jessy Singh to Shadab Khan, Much fuller this time, on off, Shadab Khan covers the line of the ball and pushes it to backward point.

Jessy Singh to Babar Azam, Leg bye! Starts off on a hard length, on off, skidding through, Babar Azam hops back to jab it away on the leg side but misses to get hit high on the front pad. The ball rolls in front of backward point and the batters take a quick single.

Jessy SinghÂ replaces Saurabh Netravalkar.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Attacks the stumps does Harmeet, full as well, Babar Azam turns this one in front of square on the leg side for a single.A quiet first over by Harmeet Singh.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, Floats it up, on a fullish length, on off, driven through covers for a single by Shadab.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, No run.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, Good placement but the running is even better.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Leg bye! Pushes it through, but it is on the pads, on a fuller length, Babar Azam misses the tickle and the ball rolls off his pads in front of backward square leg for a leg bye.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Switches to over the wicket and angles it acorss the batter, on a short of a good length, Babar Azam frees his arms and cuts it to deep point for one. The USA take the Powerplay honours with Pakistan 30/3.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Good shot but no run! Netravalkar pitches it up to the batter, on off, Babar Azam leans on it and drives it well. The ball pings off Babar's bat but picks out the man at cover.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shadab Khan, Lands it on a good length, in the channel on off, Shadab Khan extends his hands and dabs it square to the left of backward point. Nosthush Kenjige dives to his left and makes a half-stop, allowing the batters to take a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shadab Khan, Hits the deck hard and bowls it on the off-stump line, Shadab Khan hangs on the back foot and stabs it down the deck. Netravalkar is giving absolutely nothing away here in his opening spell.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Quick single taken! Serves it on a good length, on off, Babar Azam defends it right under his eyeline. The ball drops beside the pitch on the off side and the batters scamper across for a quick run.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Steams in from around the wicket and goes full, angling in, on off, Babar Azam gets his weight on the front foot and firms the drive to mid off where the fielder makes a good diving stop to his right.

Ali Khan to Shadab Khan, No run.

Ali Khan to Shadab Khan, WIDE! Short and well outside off, Shadab KhanÂ goes for a cut shot but misses. Wide.

Ali Khan to Fakhar Zaman, ! TAKEN! Pakistan is in all sorts of trouble now.

Ali Khan to Shadab Khan, No run.

Shadab Khan is the new man in.

Ali Khan to Babar Azam, What was Babar trying to do here? Absolute chaos in the middle!

Ali Khan to Fakhar Zaman, Pulls his length and varies his line into the body, on middle, Fakhar ZamanÂ pulls it towards mid-wicket and takes a single.

Ali Khan to Fakhar Zaman, Over the wicket, full and outside off, Fakhar ZamanÂ drives it in front of square for a couple of runs at deep extra cover.

Ali Khan comes into the attack as the first change.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Bit more closer to the batter on a length, attacking the middle stump, Babar AzamÂ gets ahead and flicks it across towards mid-wicket. A tidy over from Saurabh Netravalkar. Just a solitary run from it.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Oh, this one came back in considerably! Pitches it on a length, and nips sharply into the batter on the top of the middle and leg, Babar AzamÂ goes for a slash through the covers but gets beaten on the inside edge.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Perfect length, angling in on off, Babar AzamÂ knocks it off the inside half of the bat straight to the bowler.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Around the wicket, on a fuller length on off, Babar AzamÂ covers his off-pole and slices the drive straight towards mid off.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Fakhar Zaman, Holds his length, angles it into the batter, on middle, Fakhar ZamanÂ plants his front foot ahead and wrists it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Fakhar Zaman, Lovely shape! Beautiful length, outside off and moving away, enticing Fakhar to poke at it. Fakhar ZamanÂ negotiates well and opts out of the shot. The keeper collects the ball on the waist level.Â

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, Flattens the trajectory this time, on a good length, attacking the off-pole, Babar AzamÂ punches it straight to the bowler off the back foot. Another successful over for USA.

Nosthush Kenjige to Fakhar Zaman, Short and outside off, Fakhar ZamanÂ punches it towards backward point where the fielder fumbles and allows the batters to cross for one.

Nosthush Kenjige to Fakhar Zaman, ! Off the mark with a biggie!

Fakhar Zaman makes his way out to the centre with Pakistan in early trouble.

Nosthush Kenjige to Usman Khan, ! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Pakistan lose their second wicket and that was fairly an unnecessary shot from Usman Khan. USA on the top early on.

Nosthush Kenjige to Usman Khan, Quicker and flatter, around off on a length, Usman KhanÂ blocks it firmly.

Nosthush Kenjige to Babar Azam, Perfect length, on the stumps, Babar AzamÂ rocks back and punches it through mid-wicket for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Slants it across off on a hard length, Babar AzamÂ guides the ball off the back foot using all its pace towards deep third for a single to retain the strike in the next over. A successful over for USA.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Inward movement again, on off, and on a length, Babar AzamÂ whips it off the inside half of the blade to mid-wicket.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Babar Azam, Good length, moving a bit into the batter, on the stumps, Babar AzamÂ flicks towards mid-wicket.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Usman Khan, 3 runs.

Usman Khan walks in at number 3.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Rizwan, ! TAKEN! WHAT A SENSATIONAL CATCH BY STEVEN TAYLOR! Pakistan lose their first wicket and Rizwan departs cheaply.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Rizwan, On the money! Swinging into the batter a shade on a length, around off, Mohammad RizwanÂ plays in line of the ball and eases it in front of cover.

Who will bowl from the other end?

Nosthush Kenjige to Mohammad Rizwan, Tight line on a good length, angling on the pads, Mohammad RizwanÂ goes deep inside the crease and punches it wide of mid on for a single to end the over. First over done, Pakistan are 9 without any loss.

Nosthush Kenjige to Mohammad Rizwan, Drops it on a length, around off, Mohammad RizwanÂ knocks it off the back foot through covers for a couple of more runs.

Nosthush Kenjige to Mohammad Rizwan, No run.

Nosthush Kenjige to Mohammad Rizwan, ! Pakistan and RizwanÂ are underway in style! Drops it full in length, almost underneath the bat, on middle, Mohammad RizwanÂ sits down and sweeps it aerially and clears deep backward square leg fence with ease.

Nosthush Kenjige to Mohammad Rizwan, Tossed up on a length, bit more closer to the body, on middle, Mohammad RizwanÂ watches it closely and punches it back to the bowler.

Nosthush Kenjige to Mohammad Rizwan, Around the wicket, on a fuller length, on off, Mohammad RizwanÂ strides ahead and pushes it to covers.

Done with the national anthems and we are all set to go. Blue skies greet the two umpires as they shake hands and make their way out to the centre. Monank Patel and his men stride out to the middle and they get greeted with a loud cheer from the USA fans. It will be the experienced opening duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to open the innings for Pakistan.

We are moments away from getting underway, but before that, the match officials and the two sets of players will line up for the national anthems. It will be Pakistan's first, followed by the national anthem of the USA.

Naseem ShahÂ is in for a chat. He says his body has recovered well, and the preparation has been good. Considering the last two games played at his venue, he reckons that the wicket has been good. Feels that the first game of any tournament is important for the momentum, and they aim to start well. States that they have a strong bowling attack, but bowling in partnerships will be the key.Â

Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan says they would have bowled first as well since it is a morning game. Says it's a good surface and looks fresh. AlsoÂ says it's good to see the sunshine which was missing since a few days. Adds that they will look to bat well in the Powerplay. Informs Imad Wasim is missing due to an injury, and they are going with four seamers.

The captain of the USA, Monank PatelÂ says that they will bowl first. Tells that the reason behind electing to bowl first is that they have played before on this surface and chasing has been easier at this venue. Adds that they will get more clarity on how to chase their target. Shares that they have the momentum from the game against Canada and want to continue. States that they are looking forward to his game and that they are excited about this new challenge. Informs that they have made one c

USA (Playing XI) - Steven Taylor, Monank Patel (C/WK), Andries Gous, Aaron Jones, Nitish Kumar, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Nosthush Kenjige (In for Shadley van Schalkwyk), Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan.

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Usman Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Haris Rauf.

TOSS UPDATE - Monank Patel, the skipper of USAÂ wins the coin-flip and elects to BOWL first.