Rizwan scored a timely half-century and Babar played a captain’s innings as Pakistan bounced back from back-to-back defeats to beat Canada by seven wickets on Tuesday, keeping their hopes of reaching the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup alive.
Pakistan is third in Group A with two points after one win from three matches. If either of the top two teams in the group, India and the USA, lose their remaining matches and Pakistan beat Ireland on Sunday, they will advance to the next round.
Canada, also on two points, needs either the US or India to lose their remaining games and has secured a top-two spot by beating India themselves on Saturday.
Batting first, Canada’s Aaron Johnson (52) fought a lone battle against Pakistan’s pace attack. Mohammad Amir (2-13) and Haris Rauf (2-26) led the charge, while Shaheen Afridi (1-21) and Naseem Shah (1-24) helped ensure Canada failed to find a rhythm.
Only three Canadian batsmen reached double figures. Had it not been for Johnson’s maiden World Cup fifty and a late flurry from Kalim Sana (13 not out), Canada would have struggled to reach the modest total of 106-7 they posted.
The temporary pitch at East Meadow, where India and South Africa have defended low targets recently, seemed set for another low-scoring match as Saeem Ayub (6) fell early, and Pakistan looked shaky at 21-1 after five overs.
However, Rizwan (53 not out) and Azam (33) steadied the ship, taking few risks and often rotating the strike. A measured Azam hit a six and a four before falling to Dillon Helliger (2-18), but Pakistan comfortably achieved their target with 15 balls to spare.
Man of the match Amir said it was a very important win. ‘One more, who knows?’