A strong combined performance from both batters and bowlers powered Pakistan to a 32-run victory over the United States of America (USA) in the 12th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s SSC Ground on Tuesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 191, USA could only manage 158/8 in their 20 overs despite a few fighting contributions in the middle order.
USA began the chase with a steady opening stand as Andries Gous and Shayan added 42 runs before Mohammad Nawaz provided the breakthrough by removing Gous for 13.
Captain Monank Patel struggled to anchor the innings and was dismissed by Shadab Khan for three. Shadab struck again in the following over to remove Shayan, who scored 49 off 34 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
Shubham Ranjane and Milind Kumar then attempted to rebuild with a 54-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, Usman Tariq broke the stand in the 16th over by dismissing Kumar for 29.
The dismissal triggered a collapse as USA lost wickets regularly, including the key scalp of Ranjane, who top-scored with 51 off 29 balls before falling to Shaheen Shah Afridi in the final over.
Usman Tariq led Pakistan’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 3/27, while Shadab Khan supported well with 2/26. Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 190/9 after USA captain Monank Patel chose to field first.
Pakistan’s openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub provided a brisk start, racing to 54 runs in five overs. Shadley van Schalkwyk turned the momentum during the powerplay by dismissing Ayub for 19 and captain Salman Ali Agha for one, leaving Pakistan at 56/2.
Babar Azam then joined Farhan, and the pair stabilised the innings with a crucial 81-run partnership. Babar scored 46 off 32 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Mohsin in the 15th over.
Farhan continued his aggressive knock and remained Pakistan’s top-scorer with a blazing 73 off 41 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, before Harmeet Singh removed him in the next over.
Shadab Khan added quick runs with a 12-ball 30, sharing a rapid 34-run stand with Nawaz. However, van Schalkwyk struck again in the death overs, finishing as USA’s standout bowler with 4/25.
Despite late wickets, Pakistan’s total proved too much for USA, securing an important win in the tournament.
