Victory sets up high-stakes India clash after government clears Sunday’s marquee tie
COLOMBO – Sahibzada Farhan struck a career-best 73 and Usman Tariq claimed three vital wickets as Pakistan secured a emphatic 32-run win over the United States in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, exacting revenge for one of the tournament’s greatest upsets two years ago.
Pakistan posted a commanding 190-9 after being put in to bat at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club, powered by Farhan’s 41-ball blitz and a fluent 46 from Babar Azam. In response, the USA kept pace early but unravelled against Pakistan’s spinners, with Tariq (3-27) and Shadab Khan (2-26) strangling the middle overs.
The result gives Pakistan back-to-back wins in Group A following their tense three-wicket victory over the Netherlands on Saturday.
Revenge Arc Complete
The victory carries deep resonance for Pakistan. Their loss to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup was widely viewed as the lowest point in their recent tournament history. Tuesday’s clinical all-round display offered a measure of redemption.
Captain Salman Agha praised his side’s execution but stressed the need for refinement.
“It was a clinical performance. We batted really well to post 190 and we knew we could defend that,” he said. “But there’s always room for improvement. We’d like to bowl better in the powerplay before the next game.”
USA Fight Fades After Strong Start
The USA innings promised more than it delivered. Opener Shayan Jahangir muscled 49 off 34 balls, and Shubham Ranjane struck a valiant 30-ball 51 before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi—playing his 100th T20 international.
At 123-3, the USA were well placed. But the introduction of spin triggered a collapse, with four wickets falling for 32 runs inside six overs.
Captain Monank Patel pinpointed the familiar failing.
“We were in the game during the powerplay, but again in the middle overs we couldn’t show intent and lost wickets,” he said.
Shadley van Schalkwyk was the pick of the USA bowlers, returning 4-25—his second consecutive four-wicket haul following a similar spell against India.
Farhan Milestone Anchors Innings
Earlier, Farhan and Saim Ayub (19 off 17) laid a rapid foundation with a 54-run opening stand inside five overs. Pakistan wobbled briefly with two quick wickets, but Farhan and Babar stabilised with an 81-run partnership that shifted momentum decisively.
Farhan reached 1,000 T20 international runs in his 41st innings before falling in the 16th over. Shadab Khan’s late salvo of 30 off 12 balls pushed Pakistan past 190, though they lost 5-13 in the final two overs.
Sunday Showdown Looms
Attention now turns to Sunday’s blockbuster against India in Colombo—a fixture that was thrown into doubt after the Pakistan government initially signalled a boycott. Clearance was granted on Monday, averting a major tournament disruption.
The winner will take a significant step toward knockout qualification in a competitive group also featuring India and a spirited USA side.
