News Desk
COLOMBO: A commanding all-round performance saw Pakistan secure a 32-run victory over the United States in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played at Colombo’s SSC Ground on Tuesday.
The contest, which pitched an established cricketing nation against an emerging side, underscored the gap in experience while also highlighting moments of resilience from the American team. Pakistan’s innings set the tone for the match. After being invited to bat first, the Green Shirts produced a competitive total of 190 for nine in 20 overs.
The opening pair of Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub offered a flamboyant start, adding 54 runs in the first five overs before Shadley van Schalkwyk struck twice in the final over of the batting powerplay, dismissing both Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha. Ayub had made an explosive 19 off 17 balls, including two sixes and a four, while Agha fell cheaply.
The middle order then steadied the innings, with Babar Azam joining Farhan to forge an 81-run partnership for the third wicket. Farhan’s remarkable 73 off 41 balls, laced with six fours and five sixes, proved crucial in setting a challenging target, while Babar contributed 46 from 32 deliveries.
In response, the United States began promisingly, with Andries Gous and Shayan putting together 42 runs before Gous fell to Mohammad Nawaz. USA’s captain Monank Patel struggled to assert control and was dismissed for three, while Shadab Khan removed set batter Shayan, who had scored 49.
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