By Asif Naveed
Sports Desk (MNN); Pakistan registered a convincing 32-run victory over the United States in their second Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the SSC Ground in Colombo on Tuesday, boosting their push for the top position in the group and setting up a high-voltage encounter against India on Sunday.
After being put in to bat by USA captain Monank Patel, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 190 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. In response, the United States were held to 158 for eight, falling short of the target.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a brisk start as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan added 54 runs for the first wicket. Ayub was dismissed for 19, while Salman Ali Agha departed soon after for one, leaving Pakistan at 56.
Babar Azam then joined Farhan and steadied the innings with a solid 81-run partnership for the third wicket. Farhan reached his half-century during the stand, while Pakistan crossed 130 before Babar was caught for 46 off 32 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
Farhan followed in the next over after a fluent knock of 73, which featured six fours and five sixes. During his innings, he also completed 1,000 runs in international T20 cricket.
Shadab Khan provided late impetus with a quick 30 off just 12 balls, striking four fours and a six. He shared a crucial 34-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz to lift Pakistan’s total before a flurry of wickets fell in the final overs. Pakistan eventually closed on 190 for nine, with Shaheen Shah Afridi unbeaten on nine.
For the United States, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler with four wickets, while Mohammad Mohsin, Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh took one each.
In reply, the USA made a cautious start, putting on 42 runs for the opening wicket before Andries Gous was dismissed for 13. Captain Monank Patel soon followed, scoring three.
Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane attempted to revive the chase with attacking strokes. Jahangir scored 49, while Ranjane top-scored with 51. Milind Kumar chipped in with 29, but the regular loss of wickets stalled the chase.
The USA innings ended at 158 for eight in 20 overs.
Usman Tariq led Pakistan’s bowling effort with three wickets, while Shadab Khan took two. Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one wicket each.
At the toss, USA captain Monank Patel chose to field, expressing confidence in his bowling unit. Pakistan made one change, bringing in spinner Usman Tariq in place of Salman Mirza, while the USA replaced Ali Khan with former Pakistan pacer Ehsan Adil.
With this win, Pakistan moved to the top of Group A and strengthened their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage. The United States now face a must-win situation in their remaining matches.
