Clinical all-round performance sets up blockbuster clash with India on Sunday
COLOMBO – Opener Sahibzada Farhan smashed a blistering 73 and spinner Usman Tariq claimed three wickets as Pakistan comfortably defeated the United States by 32 runs in Colombo on Tuesday, avenging their shock defeat to the same side in the T20 World Cup two years ago.
Farhan’s 41-ball knock—studded with five sixes and six fours—anchored Pakistan’s total of 190-9 at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground. Former captain Babar Azam provided able support with a fluent 46 off 32 balls, combining with Farhan in an 81-run stand that seized control of the innings.
In reply, the USA kept pace early but were derailed by Pakistan’s spin trio. Tariq finished with 3-27, while Shadab Khan claimed 2-26 as the American middle order faltered. Despite Shubham Ranjane’s valiant 30-ball 51 and a brisk 49 from opener Shayan Jahangir, the USA were restricted to 158-8.
The win hands Pakistan their second consecutive victory in the group stage, following a tense three-wicket win over the Netherlands on Saturday.
Redemption Arc Complete
For Pakistan, the result carries emotional weight. Their loss to the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup was widely regarded as one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. Tuesday’s clinical performance offered a measure of redemption.
“We batted really well to post 190 and we knew we could defend that,” said captain Salman Agha. “There is always room for improvement—we’d like to bowl better in the powerplay before the next game.”
Shaheen Shah Afridi, playing his 100th T20 international, dismissed the dangerous Ranjane to break a threatening partnership.
USA Fight but Fall Short
USA captain Monank Patel acknowledged the turning point came in the middle overs.
“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 standout bowler for the USA, returning figures of 4-25—his second consecutive four-wicket haul following a similar spell against India.
Next Up: High-Stakes India Clash
Pakistan’s attention now turns to Sunday’s marquee clash against arch-rivals India in Colombo. The fixture was thrown into doubt after the Pakistan government initially signalled a boycott, but clearance was granted on Monday.
The winner will take a significant step toward knockout qualification in a group that also features tournament favourites India and a resurgent USA side.
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