- Pakistan defeated the USA by 32 runs at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.
- Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer for Pakistan with a brilliant 73 off 41 balls.
- Pakistan’s spinners dominated the middle overs, allowing only 29 runs in a six-over spell.
Pakistan demonstrated their dominance and experience in the T20 World Cup 2026 by defeating the USA by 32 runs. The match, held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, saw Pakistan post a formidable total before their bowling unit successfully defended it against a spirited American side. According to match details from the ground, the victory was built on a solid foundation provided by the top order and a clinical performance by the spin department during the middle overs.
Farhan and Babar Build the Foundation
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Pakistan faced an early challenge. However, Sahibzada Farhan emerged as the standout performer of the innings. Farhan played an aggressive and well-timed knock of 73 runs off just 41 deliveries. His innings was decorated with crisp boundaries that kept the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace. He found an excellent partner in Captain Babar Azam, who provided the necessary stability at the other end. Babar contributed 46 runs from 32 balls, showing his trademark composure. The duo shared an 81-run partnership for the third wicket, which was vital after Pakistan found themselves at 56/2 at the end of the Powerplay. Although the platform was set for a massive total, Pakistan faced a sudden collapse in the final stages of their innings. USA’s bowlers displayed great resilience, claiming five wickets in the last two overs. This late surge by the USA limited Pakistan to 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
USA Starts Strong in Pursuit of 191
The USA began their chase of 191 with significant intent. Shayan Jahangir was particularly aggressive, smashing 36 runs off 19 balls. His innings included a massive six and a boundary against Saim Ayub, putting the Pakistan bowlers under early pressure. By the end of the Powerplay, the USA had reached 50/1, giving their fans hope of a major upset against the former world champions. The opening partnership and the initial momentum suggested that the chase would go down to the wire.
Spinners Turn the Tide for Pakistan
The complexion of the match changed completely when Babar Azam introduced his spin bowlers. The quartet of Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Usman Tariq took total control of the game. Between the 6th and 12th overs, the USA batsmen struggled to find gaps and rotate the strike. During this crucial period, the USA managed only 29 runs, which was one of the lowest scoring rates in the middle overs for any team in the tournament. Shadab Khan and Usman Tariq were particularly effective, taking wickets at regular intervals to break the backbone of the USA batting lineup. Despite a fighting half-century from Ranjane and some disciplined efforts from the lower order, the required run rate became too high. The USA eventually finished their 20 overs at 158/8, falling 32 runs short of the target. This victory highlights Pakistan’s ability to defend totals through their tactical bowling changes and spin variety.