COLOMBO: In a competitive encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Pakistan posted a formidable 190/9 against the United States in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 fixture. The innings featured a commanding half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and aggressive batting from captain Babar Azam, setting the stage for an exciting chase.
Key Contributions and Match Progression
Pakistan’s innings got off to a strong start as Farhan and Saim Ayub combined for a rapid 54 runs in just five overs. However, USA’s bowlers fought back in the final overs of the powerplay, with Shadley van Schalkwyk claiming two quick wickets—Ayub (17-ball 19) and Salman Ali Agha (1)—to bring USA back into the contest, reducing Pakistan to 56/2.
With the early fall of wickets, Babar Azam joined Farhan at the crease. The pair steadied the innings with an 81-run partnership for the third wicket, anchoring Pakistan’s innings. Babar’s brisk 46 off 32 balls, featuring four fours and a six, was instrumental before his dismissal in the 15th over by Mohammad Mohsin.
Farhan continued his assault, smashing a quick 73 off 41 balls, including six fours and five sixes, before falling in the 16th over. His power-hitting kept Pakistan well-positioned. The innings concluded with a fiery cameo from Shadab Khan, who scored 30 off just 12 balls, helping Pakistan reach a total of 190/9.
USA’s Bowling Efforts
Van Schalkwyk was the standout for the USA, taking four wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. Netravalkar, Mohsin, and Harmeet Singh also contributed with key breakthroughs, attempting to contain Pakistan’s formidable batting lineup.
USA’s Innings and Chase
USA elected to field after winning the toss, citing the pitch as favorable for batting with a steady breeze. Captain Monank Patel expressed confidence, aiming to chase down the target set by Pakistan. The United States looked to build on their previous encounter in 2024, where they narrowly lost in a Super Over after a tied match against Pakistan.
Previous Encounter and Team Changes
In their last meeting at the 2024 World Cup, USA had stunned Pakistan with a Super Over victory, chasing down 159 runs after a tied regulation match. That victory fueled confidence for the Americans, who made two changes for this fixture: Ehsan Adil and Shayan Jahangir replacing Ali Khan and Saiteja Mukkamalla. Pakistan also made one change, with Usman Tariq coming in for Salman Mirza.
Squad Line-ups
- Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed
- USA: Andries Gous (wicketkeeper), Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (captain), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ehsan Adil, Saurabh Netravalkar
As the game unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the USA can chase down the target or if Pakistan’s strong batting display will secure their victory in this crucial group stage fixture.
