Pakistan continued their strong start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a convincing 32-run victory over the United States at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday night.
Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 190 for 9, built around a fluent knock from Sahibzada Farhan and solid support from Babar Azam.
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Farhan top-scored with 73, while Babar added a composed 46 to anchor the innings.
A late cameo from Shadab Khan ensured Pakistan finished strongly despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
The Salman Ali Agha-led side began well through Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub, who shared a brisk opening stand to lay the foundation.
Although USA struck back in the powerplay, Farhan and Babar steadied the innings with a crucial partnership that shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.
READ: Where to watch ICC T20 world cup 2026 Live?
Shadab’s quick 30 off just 12 balls in the death overs further boosted the total, while Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the finishing touches with a late six.
In reply, USA started aggressively, racing through the early overs before Pakistan’s bowlers clawed their way back into the contest.
Mohammad Nawaz provided the first breakthrough, while Shadab Khan tightened the screws in the middle overs with two key wickets.
Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane offered resistance for the Americans, with Ranjane registering a fighting half-century.
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However, the required run rate kept climbing as Pakistan maintained pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Usman Tariq proved decisive at the death, picking up three wickets for 27 runs to derail USA’s chase completely.
With wickets falling in quick succession, the USA were restricted to 158 for 8 in their 20 overs.
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Farhan was named player of the match for his match-defining innings, which also saw him complete 1,000 runs in T20 internationals.
His performance once again highlighted his importance at the top of the order.
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Pakistan will now turn their attention to a highly anticipated clash against India in their third Group A match, scheduled for Sunday, 15 February, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
