T20 World Cup: Farhan-inspired Pakistan thrash USA by 32 runs to record 2nd win on the trot

Pakistan recorded an emphatic 32-run win over USA in their T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. This win catapulted Pakistan to the top of Group A. Having already defeated the Netherlands in their opener, the Men in Green remained disciplined throughout, posting a formidable total of 190/9. The bowlers then took charge, restricting the USA to 158/8 in their 20 overs to successfully avenge their 2024 defeat.

Pakistan make it two in two in T20 World Cup 2026

The USA's chase featured some spirited individual efforts, most notably from Shubham Ranjane, who struck 51 off just 30 balls, including three sixes and three fours. Shayan Jahangir also impressed at the top of the order, contributing 49 runs from 34 deliveries before falling just short of his half-century. Milind Kumar showed glimpses of form with a quick 29, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to keep pace with the climbing run rate under the pressure of Pakistan's attack.

Usman Tariq dismantles USA

Pakistan's bowling dominance was led by debutant Usman Tariq, who dismantled the middle order with a stellar three-wicket haul. Shadab Khan provided vital support by claiming two wickets for 26 runs, while the pace and spin trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz each dismissed a batter. This collective effort ensured the USA never found the momentum needed to threaten the target, leaving them with their second successive loss of the tournament.

Sahibzada Farhan takes USA bowlers to the cleaners

USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved costly as the Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan side launched an aggressive assault on the bowling attack. Leading the charge was Sahibzada Farhan, who delivered a standout performance with a blistering 73 off just 41 balls, a knock punctuated by six boundaries and five sixes.

The match also signaled a welcome return to form for Babar Azam. Following a period of inconsistent scoring, the experienced right-hander anchored the middle order with a solid 46 off 32 deliveries, finding the fence four times and clearing it once. His steadying presence allowed Pakistan to maintain momentum even as the USA's bowlers searched for a breakthrough.

Despite a sudden batting collapse during the death overs, Pakistan managed to post a formidable 190/9, thanks largely to a late-innings cameo from Shadab Khan. Shadab’s explosive 12-ball 30 provided the necessary late flourish to push the total toward the 200-mark. The USA’s comeback was spearheaded by Shadley van Schalkwyk, who claimed four wickets for 25 runs to become only the second bowler in T20 World Cup history to record back-to-back four-wicket hauls. Supporting him, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, and Saurabh Netravalkar each chipped in with a wicket to keep the chase within reach to only see his side losing in the end.