Pakistan Defeats USA by 32 Runs in T20 World Cup Clash: Farhan, Tariq Shine in Colombo
In a decisive group-stage encounter at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) here on Tuesday, Pakistan secured a 32-run victory over the United States, registering their second consecutive win in the T20 World Cup 2026. A blistering 73 from opener Sahibzada Farhan and a three-wicket haul from debutant spinner Usman Tariq powered the Men in Green to a comfortable defense of 190.
Winning the toss, USA elected to field, aiming to repeat their historic Super Over win against Pakistan from the 2024 edition. However, Pakistan's batting, led by a aggressive start, had other plans.
Farhan Fires, Pakistan Post Competitive Total
The Pakistani innings was built on a flying 54-run opening stand between Saim Ayub (19) and the dominant Sahibzada Farhan. Farhan was the standout, hammering a 27-ball fifty—his fastest in T20Is—on his way to a 41-ball 73, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. He shared a crucial 81-run partnership with Babar Azam, who contributed a steady 46.
A late cameo of 30 from just 12 balls by Shadab Khan propelled Pakistan towards 200, but a dramatic collapse saw them lose five wickets in the final two overs. They finished at 190/9. USA's Shadley van Schalkwyk was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4/42.
Spinners Strangle USA Chase
In response, USA openers Shayan Jahangir (49) and Andries Gous (13) provided a brisk start, reaching 42/0. However, the introduction of spin changed the game. Usman Tariq, making his T20 World Cup debut, emerged as the wrecker-in-chief. His tricky, unorthodox action accounted for three key wickets, breaking the backbone of the USA middle order.
Supported by Shadab Khan (2 wickets), Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz, the Pakistani spinners collectively took seven wickets, stifling the run flow. A fighting 51 from Shubham Ranjane offered some resistance, but USA ultimately folded for 158 in their 20 overs, losing by 32 runs.
Post-Match Reactions and Context
Sahibzada Farhan, awarded Player of the Match, said, “I had a good feeling from the nets. Our role as openers is to attack in the powerplay, and I’m glad it came off.”
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha called it a "clinical win," adding, “We knew we could defend 190. Our spinners were excellent today.”
For USA, the loss highlighted the challenges against top-tier spin bowling. Captain Monank Patel admitted, “We panicked a bit in the middle overs against their spinners. We’ll look to come back stronger.”
The match also featured a unique subplot: USA’s Ehsan Adil, who was part of Pakistan’s 2015 World Cup squad, made his T20 World Cup debut for the American side.
Why This Match Matters
This T20 World Cup victory solidifies Pakistan’s position in the group and exorcises the ghosts of their 2024 Super Over loss to the USA. It underscores the growing competitiveness of associate nations like USA cricket, while also showcasing Pakistan’s potent spin attack as a major threat in the tournament.
Pakistan will look to carry this momentum forward, while the USA must regroup quickly for their remaining matches.
