USA’s batting faltered as soon as once more as Pakistan’s spin-heavy method proved decisive of their T20 World Cup 2026 Group ‘A’ conflict on the Sinhalese Sports activities Membership (SSC) in Colombo on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s spinners, led by Usman Tariq’s three-wicket haul and Shadab Khan’s two for 26 – after his earlier 12-ball 30 with the bat – mixed to defend a 191-run goal by 32 runs, giving the aspect its second straight win.
Pakistan operated with only one specialist quick bowler in Shaheen Afridi, entrusting the remaining 16 overs to spin. The transfer paid off handsomely because the spinners claimed seven of the eight wickets to fall, because the USA solely managed 158 in its failed pursuit.
AS IT HAPPENED | PAK vs USA T20 World Cup HIGHLIGHTS
Bowling underneath lights, Pakistan’s tweakers had been prepared to toss the ball up and fluctuate their tempo, utilizing flatter trajectories when required. Their willingness to assault the stumps and problem the batters was rewarded, with the unit conceding underneath seven runs an over and forcing false strokes at common intervals.
For the USA, solely Shayan Jahangir (49) and Shubham Ranjane (51) discovered the center of the bat constantly. Jahangir’s innings on the high laid the platform for the chase earlier than he was caught at lengthy off off Shadab whereas making an attempt a 3rd most.
Ranjane’s knock was extra of a solo effort, as he watched the remainder of the lineup return to the dugout often whereas he struck three fours and as many sixes. He was ultimately trapped in entrance by Afridi – Pakistan’s solely tempo wicket – because the spinners tightened their grip to shut out a cushty victory.
For the USA, solely Shayan Jahangir (in image) and Shubham Ranjane discovered the center of the bat constantly.
| Photograph Credit score:
AP
For the USA, solely Shayan Jahangir (in image) and Shubham Ranjane discovered the center of the bat constantly.
| Photograph Credit score:
AP
Earlier, Pakistan’s high order feasted on indiscipline to energy the aspect to 190 for 9 after being put in to bat.
Saim Ayub set the tone early, skipping down the observe to launch Saurabh Netravalkar for a six within the opening over, forcing the wicketkeeper to return up instantly. It did little to curb the openers’ intent because the USA’s bowlers struggled to decide on a constant size.
Sahibzada Farhan repeatedly accessed the off aspect, slashing and punching back-of-a-length deliveries for boundaries, whereas half-trackers disappeared over the leg aspect and fuller balls had been slogged straight down the bottom.
The momentum stalled briefly within the sixth over when Shadley van Schalkwyk rolled his fingers over the ball, drawing Ayub right into a slash to quick third. Salman Ali Agha adopted quickly after, pulling straight to deep sq. leg off the ultimate ball of the PowerPlay.
Farhan, unfazed, continued to assault the leg-spin of Mohammad Mohsin and the left-arm spin of Harmeet Singh, slog-sweeping with ease. His fifty got here off simply 27 balls, underlining Pakistan’s dominance by the primary half of the innings.
The pair of Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan ensured Pakistan scored at near 9 an over.
| Photograph Credit score:
AP
The pair of Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan ensured Pakistan scored at near 9 an over.
| Photograph Credit score:
AP
Babar Azam, against this, started quietly. His first boundary got here off his nineteenth supply, a pulled six off Harmeet, earlier than the gears shifted. Pulls, cuts and back-foot drives adopted in fast succession, whereas Farhan continued to seek out the fence often. The pair ensured Pakistan scored at near 9 an over.
Mohammad Mohsin ultimately broke the 81-run stand as Babar mistimed a pull to lengthy on for 46 off 32. Farhan fell quickly after, caught at lengthy off whereas making an attempt one other slog, ending a brisk 73 off 41 balls. Their dismissals triggered a dramatic collapse.
The USA bowlers leaned closely on cutters on the demise, and the change of tempo labored. Shadab offered a quick counterpunch with a 12-ball 30, however Pakistan managed simply 57 for seven within the ultimate six overs – a stark distinction to the convenience with which runs got here earlier. Nonetheless, the beginning given by the highest order ensured the whole remained imposing until the top.
The scores:
Pakistan 190/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 73, Babar Azam 46, Shadab Khan 30, Shadley van Schalkwyk 4/25) bt USA 158/8 in 20 overs (Shayan Jahangir 49, Shubham Ranjane 51, Usman Tariq 3/27).
Printed on Feb 10, 2026