Pakistan delivered a clinical all-round performance to defeat the United States by 32 runs in their Group A encounter at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, played at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Tuesday, February 10.
Pakistan Post Imposing Total
Batting first after the USA won the toss and elected to bowl, Pakistan’s top order set the tone for a commanding innings. Sahibzada Farhan was the star with the bat, smashing a blistering 73 off just 41 deliveries, mixing powerful strokes with elegant timing to keep the scoreboard racing.
Captain of elegance Babar Azam complemented Farhan’s aggression with a measured yet impactful 46 off 32 balls, anchoring the middle overs with his trademark class. But it was Shadab Khan who lit up the death overs — his explosive cameo of 30 runs from just 12 balls propelled Pakistan to a formidable 190 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Spinners Strangle USA
The chase started with intent from the American batters, but Pakistan’s spin trio proved too good on a surface offering turn. Usman Tariq was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a masterclass in slow bowling that left the USA lineup struggling to find the boundary.
Shadab Khan, not content with his batting heroics, continued his excellent day with key breakthroughs in the middle overs. Mohammad Nawaz added to USA’s woes with his left-arm spin, creating pressure from both ends and picking up crucial wickets.
For the Americans, Shubham Ranjane fought valiantly with a gutsy half-century of 51, while Shayan Jahangir came agonizingly close to his own fifty with 49. But the sustained pressure from Pakistan’s spinners meant the required run rate climbed beyond reach, and USA finished on 158 for 8 — falling 32 runs short.
Pakistan’s Campaign Gathers Steam
This victory marks Pakistan’s second win of the tournament following their opening-match triumph over the Netherlands, firmly establishing them as strong contenders for a Super 8 berth from Group A.
All eyes now turn to the blockbuster clash between Pakistan and India, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, in Colombo — a fixture that promises to be the highlight of the group stage and one of the most anticipated matches of the entire tournament.
