Categorically staggering results have been witnessed in the ongoing Men’s T20I World Cup 2024, with World Cup debutant teams throwing massive surprises. To the delight of cricket fans, this is just the beginning, a lot of surprises remain in the pipeline. World Cup debutant teams have been high on confidence, stifling the established teams and coming up with trumps with their combined efforts. 

Let’s revisit the past three encounters that have sent the shock waves across the cricket world -:

Pakistan vs USA

The most enthralling encounter by far in the ongoing T20I World Cup. USA humbled Pakistan to seal a Super Over thriller, cornering the side that made it to the final of the T20I World Cup last season. Pakistan, considered one of the cricket leaders, were jolted heavily in a match that totally belonged to them. Their well-oiled bowling attack scrambled to stop well-crafted USA. Sent in to bat, Pakistan were limited to 159/7 in 20 overs, a total that Pakistan reached with the help of Babar Azam and Shadab Khan, cracking (44) and (40) respectively.

In reply, USA tied the match, matching Pakistan’s total. The match went into the Super Over where USA scored 18/1, and Pakistan, in their chase, could only assemble 13/1, thereby crashing to a five-run defeat. USA have started their campaign really well, having recorded two victories on the bounce. 

Uganda vs Papua New Guinea

Uganda downed PNG in a low-scoring game to record their historic first World Cup victory. Uganda cruised to a three-wicket victory in a thrilling encounter that saw them chase 78-run target in 18.2 overs. Uganda bowled out PNG for 77 in 19.1 overs. Yet, they had a difficult start in chasing the total, losing three wickets in 2.1 overs. However, the efforts of Riazat Ali Shah steadied the ship and took the side to a victory that mattered a lot to them. 

South Africa vs Sri Lanka

Anrich Nortje had starred for proteas, returning with his career-best figures of 4-7 from four overs. Sri Lanka were rolled for their lowest ever total in T20s, copping a six-wicket defeat. The proteas’ dominance over Sri Lanka was quite visible on a drop-in pitch in New York. Sri Lanka’s vigorous batting lineup was struck with heavy blows as none of their masterclass batters lived up to the expectations. Even the might of veteran Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasarnga and Pathum Nissanka nervously failed. It was the best performance by the proteas, who kickstarted their T20I World Cup campaign with a boasting win.