Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup Highlights: Spinners Avenge 2024 Upset as Pakistan Clinch 32-Run Victory

Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup Highlights: Spinners Avenge 2024 Upset as Pakistan Clinch 32-Run Victory Tonight in Colombo, it was a match with baggage and a warning label. The Group A fixture between Pakistan and the USA at the Sinhalese Sports Club was more than just a game; it was Pakistan's chance to slam the door on the haunting memory of Dallas 2024.

Two years ago, the USA stunned the world by defeating the Men in Green in a Super Over, a loss that played a huge part in Pakistan's group-stage exit. This time, under the lights, Pakistan rewrote the script, securing a dominant 32-run victory to settle the score. After a lucky escape against the Netherlands in their tournament opener, Salman Ali Agha’s squad was under pressure to deliver a statement win.

The USA, led by Monank Patel, arrived in Colombo with the belief that their 2024 feat was no fluke, fresh off a spirited performance against India. But Pakistan's spin attack had other plans, weaving a web that the American batters couldn't escape, ensuring there would be no repeat upset.

Toss Update and Playing XIs USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and, banking on the evening dew, opted to bowl first. Pakistan made a few calculated changes, looking to bolster their batting firepower. The stage was set for a crucial clash, with Pakistan needing a win to solidify their campaign and the USA looking to cause another major shock in the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed USA Playing XI: Andries Gous (wk), Monank Patel (c), Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Ali Khan, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar Farhan Gets Pakistan Off to a Blazing Start Pakistan’s innings began with clear intent.

Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan came out with guns blazing, punishing the American bowlers in the Powerplay. Farhan, in particular, was in a destructive mood, targeting debutant Ehsan Adil with a flurry of boundaries. The duo raced to 50, laying a perfect platform for a massive total. Farhan looked unstoppable, using the slog sweep and powerful shots over mid-wicket to keep the scoreboard racing. Sahibzada Farhan Smashes Fifty as Pakistan Dominate Continuing his assault, Sahibzada Farhan brought up a magnificent half-century in just 27 balls. It was his first fifty in T20 World Cups, an innings peppered with powerful sixes and elegant fours.

Even mistimed shots were clearing the boundary as he put the USA attack to the sword. However, the momentum took a slight hit when Saim Ayub departed, followed by captain Salman Agha, leaving Pakistan at 85/2 after 10 overs. Babar Azam Shifts Gears Before Shadab Khan's Cameo Babar Azam joined a fluent Farhan at the crease but initially struggled to find his rhythm.

The run rate dipped as Pakistan tried to rebuild. But after a slow start, Babar finally found his groove, smashing Harmeet Singh for 21 runs in an over, including his first six of the night. Just as he looked set for a big score, he was dismissed for 46 off 32 balls. Soon after, Farhan's brilliant knock of 73 ended. Just when the USA thought they could pull things back, Shadab Khan unleashed a game-changing cameo. He blasted 30 runs off just 12 balls, hitting three consecutive boundaries in one over to push Pakistan back on track for a big score. His explosive hitting ensured the Men in Green finished with a formidable total of 190/9 in their 20 overs.

For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4/25. The Chase Begins: USA Show Early Promise Chasing 191 for an improbable win, the USA started positively. Andries Gous and Shayan Jahangir took on Pakistan's premier pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, finding early boundaries. Jahangir was particularly aggressive, launching a massive six off Saim Ayub as the USA seized momentum in the Powerplay.

They reached 50/1 at the end of the 6th over, with the game hanging in the balance after Mohammad Nawaz provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Gous for 13. Pakistan Spinners Weave a Web and Tighten Screws The introduction of spin completely turned the tide. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz immediately put a chokehold on the run rate.

The pressure began to mount, and it paid off when Shadab Khan dismissed the struggling USA skipper Monank Patel, who crumbled after scoring just 3 runs off 10 balls. The required run rate quickly climbed above 12, and the American batters found it impossible to break free from the spinners' grip.

USA Falling Apart as Usman Tariq Runs Riot With the pressure mounting, the USA innings started to fall apart. Shadab Khan picked up his second wicket, sending back the well-set Shayan Jahangir for 49. But the real star of the show was mystery spinner Usman Tariq.

His bizarre action proved unreadable, and he ripped through the middle order. He dismissed Milind Kumar for 27 before knocking over Harmeet Singh. Tariq even found himself on a hat-trick after clean bowling Mohammad Mohsin, though he narrowly missed the milestone. Abrar Ahmed also chipped in, bowling Sanjay Krishnamurthi with a beautiful googly.

Pakistan Beat United States of America by 32 Runs Despite a spirited late effort from Shubham Ranjane, who scored a fighting half-century (45 off 25), the target was always out of reach. He hit back-to-back sixes off Shaheen Afridi in a late flurry, but it was too little, too late. The Pakistani bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, restricting the USA to 158/8 and clinching a comprehensive 32-run victory.

The win was a statement of intent and, more importantly, a moment of sweet revenge. Sahibzada Farhan is the Player of the Match For his sensational innings of 73 from 41 balls that set the stage for Pakistan's imposing total, Sahibzada Farhan was deservedly named the Player of the Match. His aggressive start gave the team the exact platform they needed to post a winning score and put the game beyond the USA's reach.

Who won the Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup match?

Pakistan won the match by 32 runs. They posted 190/9 in their 20 overs and then restricted the USA to 158/8, thanks to a brilliant display from their spinners.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Sahibzada Farhan was named Player of the Match for his explosive knock of 73 runs off 41 balls, which included four fours and an incredible seven sixes.

What was the history between the Pakistan and USA cricket teams?

The two teams had met once before in the T20 World Cup, during the 2024 edition in Dallas. In a historic upset, the USA defeated Pakistan in a Super Over, a result that contributed to Pakistan's early exit from that tournament.

How can I watch T20 World Cup 2026 highlights?

In India, Star Sports is the official broadcaster for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Live streaming and highlights are available on the JioStar app and website. permalink: pakistan-vs-usa-t20-highlights