COLOMBO, Feb 10 (ABC): A disciplined all-round performance from batters and bowlers powered Pakistan to a convincing 32-run victory over the United States of America (USA) in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground on Tuesday.
Defending a challenging target of 191 runs, Pakistan restricted the USA to 158/8 in their allotted 20 overs to secure their second straight win of the tournament.
The victory also helped Pakistan avenge their shock defeat to the USA in the previous edition of the World Cup two years ago.
Farhan, Babar lay strong foundation
After USA captain Monank Patel opted to field first, Pakistan openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub provided an aggressive start.
The pair added 54 runs in just five overs and took full advantage of the powerplay.
Ayub scored a quick 19 off 17 balls with two sixes and a four before falling in the sixth over. Captain Salman Ali Agha followed soon after for just one, as Shadley van Schalkwyk struck twice to bring the USA back into the contest.
Star batter Babar Azam then joined Farhan at the crease. The experienced duo stabilised the innings and rotated strike smartly. They built a crucial 81-run partnership for the third wicket to rebuild momentum.
Babar played fluently and scored 46 off 32 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six before Mohammad Mohsin dismissed him in the 15th over.
Farhan continued his attacking approach and remained the top scorer. He smashed a brilliant 73 off 41 balls, studded with six fours and five sixes. During the knock, he also completed 1,000 T20 international runs.
Late flourish pushes Pakistan to 190
After the top-order effort, Shadab Khan accelerated the scoring in the death overs. He blasted 30 off just 12 balls, including four fours and a six.
However, Pakistan lost wickets quickly towards the end and slipped from a strong position. The team eventually finished at 190/9 in 20 overs.
For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk stood out with the ball. He claimed four wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. Saurabh Netravalkar, Mohsin and Harmeet Singh picked up one wicket each.
USA start well but lose momentum
Chasing 191, the USA began positively. Openers Andries Gous and Shayan Jahangir added 42 runs at a brisk pace.
Mohammad Nawaz broke the partnership by dismissing Gous for 13. The wicket slowed the scoring rate.
Captain Monank Patel struggled to anchor the innings and managed only three runs before Shadab Khan removed him.
Shadab struck again in the next over to dismiss the well-set Shayan, who scored 49 off 34 balls with five fours and two sixes.
Tariq, Shadab lead Pakistan’s bowling charge
With the USA under pressure, Shubham Ranjane and Milind Kumar attempted a recovery. The pair added 54 runs for the fourth wicket to keep hopes alive.
Usman Tariq broke the stand by dismissing Kumar for 29 in the 16th over. That breakthrough triggered a collapse.
Pakistan bowlers tightened their grip and removed wickets at regular intervals. Ranjane fought back with an aggressive 51 off 29 balls, hitting three sixes and three fours, but Shaheen Shah Afridi dismissed him in the final over.
The USA eventually closed at 158/8.
Tariq spearheaded Pakistan’s bowling with impressive figures of 3/27. Shadab Khan supported him with 2/26. Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi took one wicket each.
Afridi completes 100 T20I matches
The match also marked a personal milestone for Shaheen Shah Afridi, who completed 100 T20 internationals for Pakistan. Before the game, fellow pacer Naseem Shah presented him with a commemorative cap.
Tournament backdrop
The T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, began on February 7. However, the event saw off-field developments after Bangladesh withdrew from playing matches in India over security concerns and was replaced by Scotland.
Following consultations between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and participating boards, Pakistan later decided to continue participation to protect the spirit of the game.
With back-to-back victories, Pakistan have strengthened their position in Group A and boosted confidence ahead of the upcoming fixtures in the tournament.