Pakistan strengthened their chances of finishing top of Group A after securing a 32-run victory over the United States in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s SSC Ground on Tuesday, ahead of a much-anticipated match against India on Sunday.
After being sent in to bat by USA captain Monank Patel, Pakistan posted 190 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, the third-highest total of the tournament so far. In reply, the United States were restricted to 158 for eight, falling short of the 191-run target.
Sahibzada Farhan and openers Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a brisk start, adding 54 runs in the powerplay. Ayub was the first to depart, caught after scoring 19, while Salman Ali Agha followed soon after for one, leaving Pakistan at 56 for two.
Farhan then rebuilt the innings with Babar Azam, as the pair added 81 runs for the third wicket to steady the middle overs. Babar struck 46 off 32 balls, including four fours and a six, before being dismissed with the total at 137.
Pakistan briefly lost momentum after Babar’s exit, with Farhan falling in the next over. The opener, however, had already laid the foundation with a fluent 73 off 41 balls, featuring five sixes and six fours.
Shadab Khan then shared a one-sided 34-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Nawaz, which came off just 16 deliveries.
Shadab contributed to the stand with a 12-ball 30, comprising four fours and a six, before falling victim to van Schalkwyk in the penultimate over, during which the right-arm pacer also dismissed Faheem Ashraf (one).
Nawaz, on the other hand, perished on the first delivery of the final over as he smashed a fuller delivery from Saurabh Netravalkar straight to Shayan Jahangir, stationed at deep midwicket, and walked back after scoring a scratchy five off 10 deliveries.
Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler for USA, taking four wickets for just 25 runs in his four overs, while Netravalkar, Mohsin and Harmeet picked up one apiece.
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