T20 World Cup: Pakistan Defeat USA by 32 Runs to Top Points Table

Colombo

Pakistan registered a convincing 32-run victory over the USA in the 12th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday. With their second consecutive win, Pakistan climbed to the top of Group A in the points table with a net run rate of +0.932.

After losing the toss, Pakistan were asked to bat first and posted a strong total of 190 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a solid start, adding 54 runs in 5.1 overs. Saim scored 19 runs off 17 balls, including two sixes and a four, before getting out. Captain Salman Agha failed to make an impact and was dismissed for just one run.

Pakistan lost two wickets for 56 runs, after which Farhan stitched a crucial 81-run partnership for the third wicket with Babar Azam off 52 balls, taking the team score to 137. Babar scored 46 runs off 32 balls with five boundaries, while Farhan top-scored with 73 runs off 41 balls, smashing five sixes and six fours.

Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan then added quick runs, putting together 34 runs off just 16 balls for the fifth wicket. Shadab played a brisk knock of 30 runs off 12 balls, hitting five boundaries, helping Pakistan reach a competitive total.

For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the most successful bowler, picking up four wickets for 25 runs in four overs. Saurabh Netravalkar, Mohammad Mohsin, and Harmeet Singh claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 191, the USA managed to score 158 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Andries Gous and Shayan Jahangir added 42 runs in 4.5 overs for the opening stand. Gous was dismissed for 13, while Jahangir played a fighting knock of 49 runs off 34 balls, including two sixes and five fours. The USA lost three wickets by the time they reached 69 runs.

Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane then added 54 runs off 34 balls for the fourth wicket, taking the team past the 100-run mark. Milind scored 29 runs, while Ranjane struck 51 runs off 30 balls with six boundaries. However, their efforts were not enough to secure a win for the USA.

Usman Tariq was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming three wickets for 27 runs. He nearly achieved a hat-trick after dismissing Harmeet Singh (6) and Mohammad Mohsin (0) on consecutive deliveries in the 19th over but missed the opportunity. Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz took one wicket each.

About Author

Habib Ki Report

See author's posts