Colombo, 11 February (Sports Desk)
Pakistan defeated the United States by 32 runs in their Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
This victory avenged Pakistan’s shock defeat to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup (where the USA won in a super over). It marked Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament, following a narrow victory over the Netherlands, and propelled them to the top of Group A with 4 points.
Match Summary
- Toss: United States of America won the toss and elected to field first.
- Pakistan Innings: 190/9 (20 overs)
- USA Innings: 158/8 (20 overs)
- Result: Pakistan won by 32 runs.
Pakistan posted a strong total after a blistering start and solid contributions in the middle overs. Their spinners then dominated, restricting the USA despite some resistance from the American batters.
Pakistan Batting Highlights
Pakistan openers provided a solid platform, and the middle order accelerated effectively.
- Sahibzada Farhan (opener): 73 off 41 balls (6 fours, 5 sixes) — explosive Powerplay and middle-overs hitting, including long sixes over long-on and cow corner.
- Babar Azam (captain): 46 off 32 balls (4 fours, 1 six) — classy support, sharing an 81-run stand with Farhan for the third wicket.
- Other contributions: Saim Ayub (19 off 17, with 2 sixes), Shadab Khan (quick late cameo).
- Key partnerships: 54-run opening stand (Farhan & Ayub); 81-run third-wicket stand (Farhan & Azam).
Pakistan slipped to 56/2 early but recovered to post 190/9, which proved more than competitive.
USA bowlers: Shadley van Schalkwyk took 4/25, but others struggled against Pakistan’s aggression.
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USA Batting Highlights
USA chased 191 but never truly threatened, losing wickets regularly to Pakistan’s spin attack.
- Shubham Ranjane: 51 off 30 balls — defiant half-century.
- Shayan Jahangir: 49 off 34 balls — strong resistance.
- USA ended at 158/8, well short.
Pakistan Bowling Highlights
Pakistan’s spinners strangled the USA innings in the middle overs.
- Usman Tariq (debutant): 3/27 (impressive control and wickets).
- Shadab Khan: 2/26.
- Others: Abrar Ahmed 1/30, Mohammad Nawaz 1/21.
- Pace support: Shaheen Afridi picked a key late wicket (yorker to trap Ranjane).
The spin quartet (Tariq, Shadab, Nawaz, Abrar) was clinical, not allowing big partnerships.
Player of the Match
Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan) — for his match-defining 73 off 41 balls, which set up the winning total. His aggressive knock, featuring powerful six-hitting, earned him the award unanimously across reports. Farhan’s performance was highlighted as a blueprint for big games, and he expressed confidence in earning the POTM prior to the match.
This was a comprehensive win for Pakistan, showcasing strong batting firepower and spin dominance. It sets them up well for upcoming challenges in the tournament.
