Pakistan delivered a commanding performance against the United States in their Group A T20 World Cup encounter in Colombo on Tuesday, securing a comprehensive 32-run victory that avenged their shocking defeat to the same opponent two years prior.
Opener Sahibzada Farhan orchestrated Pakistan’s strong batting display with an impressive 73 runs from just 41 deliveries, featuring five sixes and six boundaries. The 29-year-old batsman reached a significant career milestone during his innings, surpassing 1,000 T20 international runs in his 41st match. He received substantial support from former captain Babar Azam, who contributed a brisk 46 from 32 balls, including four fours and one six.
The foundation was established early as Farhan and opening partner Saim Ayub (19 from 17 balls) put on 54 runs within the first five overs. Despite a brief stumble that saw two quick wickets fall in the sixth over to USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk, Pakistan recovered emphatically through an 81-run third-wicket partnership between Farhan and Azam that dominated the middle overs.
Pakistan’s final total of 190-9 was somewhat tempered by a late collapse that saw five wickets fall for just 13 runs in the final two overs, with van Schalkwyk emerging as the most successful American bowler with figures of 4-25.
In response, the United States batting lineup struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack. Leg-spinner Usman Tariq proved particularly destructive, claiming 3-27, while all-rounder Shadab Khan supported with 2-26. Despite valiant efforts from Shubham Ranjane (51 from 30 balls) and Shayan Jahangir (49 from 34 balls), the American innings stalled at 158-8, unable to maintain the required run rate against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
The victory marks Pakistan’s second consecutive win in the tournament following their narrow three-wicket triumph over the Netherlands last Saturday. Captain Salman Agha described the performance as “clinical” while acknowledging room for improvement in powerplay bowling ahead of their highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India on Sunday—a fixture that was only confirmed after the Pakistani government reversed its initial boycott decision.