COLOMBO: Pakistan registered their second consecutive victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating the United States by 32 runs in a Group A match played in Colombo.
After winning the toss, the USA opted to field first, inviting Pakistan to bat. Pakistan posted a competitive total of 190 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 20 overs, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with an impressive 73.
In reply, the United States could manage 158 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs, falling short of the target. Pakistan’s win also helped them avenge their defeat against the USA in 2024.
Pakistan made one change to their playing XI for the match, bringing in Usman Tariq in place of Salman Mirza.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a solid start as openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan put together a 54-run partnership. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 19, while captain Salman Ali Agha departed cheaply for just one run.
Farhan then added valuable runs alongside Babar Azam, completing his half-century with confident stroke play.
Babar scored 46 off 32 balls before being dismissed, while Farhan’s innings came to an end at 73. Shadab Khan also made a quick impact, scoring 30 runs off just 12 deliveries.
For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler, claiming four wickets.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan had defeated the Netherlands by three wickets in a thrilling encounter, while the USA had suffered a loss against India.
