COLOMBO: Pakistan secured a convincing 32-run victory over the United States in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday. A commanding knock from Sahibzada Farhan and a disciplined bowling spell by Usman Tariq proved decisive in a high-scoring contest.
Chasing a challenging target of 191, the USA finished on 158 despite a fighting half-century from Shubham Ranjane.
Pakistan Set Competitive Total
After being put in to bat, Pakistan posted 190-9 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan gave their side early momentum with a brisk 54-run stand inside six overs. Ayub contributed 19 off 17 balls before departing, while captain Salman Ali Agha fell cheaply on the final delivery of the Powerplay.
With Pakistan at 56-2 after six overs, Farhan and Babar Azam stabilized the innings. Although USA bowlers applied pressure through tight middle overs, the pair accelerated at the right moment. A 21-run over in the 12th shifted momentum back in Pakistan’s favor.
Babar appeared in fine touch, striking a six and two boundaries in one over on his way to 46 from 32 deliveries. However, USA fought back as both Babar and Farhan were dismissed in quick succession, reducing Pakistan to 145-4 in 16 overs.
Farhan was the standout performer, smashing 73 off 41 balls, including six fours and five sixes. His aggressive stroke play laid the foundation for a strong total.
Shadab Khan then provided late fireworks, hammering 30 runs off just 12 balls to push Pakistan close to the 200-run mark. However, disciplined death bowling from the USA restricted Pakistan to 190-9. Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed with four wickets, emerging as USA’s most effective bowler.
USA’s Chase Falls Short
In reply, the USA began positively with a 42-run opening partnership in under five overs. Shayan Jahangir played fluently, scoring 49 off 34 balls, while Andries Gous added 13.
However, once the fielding restrictions ended, Pakistan’s spinners tightened control. The dismissals of captain Monank Patel and Jahangir shifted the pressure onto the middle order.
Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane attempted to revive the chase with a 54-run partnership. Ranjane took the attacking role, striking three sixes and three fours on his way to 51 from 30 balls.
Despite his resistance, the required run rate continued to climb. Pakistan’s bowlers maintained composure in the closing overs, striking at regular intervals to derail the chase.
Usman Tariq delivered a match-winning spell, claiming 3-27 in his four overs. His ability to contain runs and pick key wickets ensured USA never regained full control.
Key Points
- Sahibzada Farhan: 73 (41)
- Babar Azam: 46 (32)
- Shadab Khan: 30 (12)
- Usman Tariq: 3-27
- Shubham Ranjane: 51 (30)
The victory strengthens Pakistan’s position in the T20 World Cup 2026 standings, while USA will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture.
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