Pakistan beat USA by 32 runs; Farhan, Babar and Shadab shine, Usman Tariq impresses on debut

Colombo: Pakistan secured a convincing 32-run victory over the United States in their 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday, strengthening their position in Group A and keeping momentum ahead of their big match against India.

After winning the toss, USA captain Monank Patel chose to field. Pakistan posted a strong total of 190 for 9 in their 20 overs, setting the Americans a target of 191 to win.

Pakistan’s innings was built around three key performers:

• Sahibzada Farhan was the standout batsman, scoring a fluent 73 runs off 41 balls, with six fours and five sixes, at a strike rate of 178.04. His powerful innings provided the backbone of Pakistan’s total and ensured maximum impact in the middle overs.

• Babar Azam played a tactically mature innings, scoring 46 off 32 balls including four fours and one six. Babar paced his innings well, assessing conditions before accelerating—a batting approach fans have long urged him to adopt.

• Shadab Khan delivered quick runs down the order, blasting 30 off just 12 balls with four boundaries and a six, boosting Pakistan’s finish.

Early in the innings, Pakistan started briskly with Saim Ayub scoring 19 off 17 balls, adding to the powerplay impetus before falling.

In reply, the USA fought back with some resistance but were unable to keep up with the required rate. They finished on 158 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling 32 runs short of the target.

Key performances with the ball for Pakistan included:

• Usman Tariq, playing his first match for Pakistan, made an immediate impact by claiming 3 wickets for 27 runs in his four overs. His controlled spin and clever variations troubled the USA batsmen and helped restrict the run chase.

• Shadab Khan also contributed with the ball, taking 2 for 26 to further tighten the screws on the USA batting lineup.

• Other spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz chipped in with economical figures, keeping the opposition in check throughout.

Despite a couple of solid individual scores for the USA—Shubham Ranjane’s 51 and Shayan Jahangir’s 49—they couldn’t build a match-winning partnership and ultimately finished well short of the target.

While Pakistan’s spin attack shone, Shaheen Shafiq struggled with his line and length, finishing with figures that failed to make a significant impact, leading some critics to suggest that in-form fast bowler Salman Mirza might have offered a stronger option in the playing XI.

The win gives Pakistan a valuable confidence boost as they aim for the top spot in Group A and prepare for their marquee clash against arch-rivals India later in the tournament.