Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat the United States of America by 32 runs in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group A encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday. Powered by a blistering half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and disciplined bowling through the middle overs, Pakistan posted 190 for 9 and then restricted the USA to 158 for 8 in reply.
After the USA won the toss and opted to field, Pakistan’s innings began at a brisk pace. Saim Ayub provided early momentum, striking a six and a four in his 19 off 17 balls, before he was dismissed by Shadley van Schalkwyk in the sixth over with the score on 54. The early breakthrough briefly slowed Pakistan, as Salman Agha fell cheaply soon after, but it brought together the experienced Babar Azam and the in-form Sahibzada Farhan.
Farhan played the defining innings of the match. Batting with authority and composure, he took on the USA bowling attack with a blend of clean hitting and intelligent placement. His 73 off 41 balls included six fours and five towering sixes, and he consistently kept Pakistan ahead of the required run rate. Babar played the perfect supporting role, anchoring the innings with a fluent 46 from 32 deliveries. The pair added a crucial 81-run partnership, taking Pakistan from a slightly precarious position to a commanding one.
Once Babar was dismissed in the 15th over, Pakistan shifted gears. Farhan continued to attack before falling for his well-made 73, earning him the Player of the Match award. Shadab Khan then provided the late fireworks, smashing 30 off just 12 balls at a strike rate of 250, ensuring Pakistan finished strongly despite losing wickets in the final overs. Van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler for the USA, claiming 4 for 25 in an impressive spell that prevented Pakistan from crossing the 200 mark.
Chasing 191, the USA showed intent early but struggled to maintain momentum against Pakistan’s varied bowling attack. Andries Gous was dismissed cheaply, while Monank Patel failed to get going. Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane then gave the chase some life. Jahangir’s 49 off 34 balls was aggressive and confident, while Ranjane counterattacked brilliantly later with 51 off 30 deliveries, including three fours and three sixes.
However, Pakistan struck at key moments. Shadab Khan removed both Jahangir and Patel, applying the brakes during the middle overs. Usman Tariq then proved decisive at the death, claiming three wickets in a tight spell that derailed the USA’s hopes of a late surge. Despite Ranjane’s valiant effort, wickets kept falling, and the required run rate climbed beyond reach.
In the end, Pakistan’s superior batting depth and timely bowling ensured a comfortable 32-run victory, giving them a strong start to their T20 World Cup campaign, while the USA were left to reflect on missed opportunities despite a spirited fight.
