Colombo witnessed Pakistan’s resurgence in the T20 World Cup 2026 as they outclassed USA by 32 runs on Tuesday at Sinhalese Sports Club, claiming the Group A top spot with a +0.932 net run rate after two straight wins.
Batting first post-toss loss, Pakistan reached 190/9 through calculated aggression. Openers Saim Ayub (19 off 17, 1×4, 2×6) and Sahibzada Farhan built 54 in 5.1 overs. After early setbacks—Salman Agha (1)—Farhan’s 73 (41 balls, 6×4, 5×6) alongside Babar Azam’s 46 (32 balls, 5×4) yielded 81 runs, stabilizing at 137.
Shadab Khan’s rapid 30 (12 balls, 5×4) with Mohammad Nawaz (34-run stand) fortified the innings. Sheldley van Schalkwyk’s 4/25 headlined USA’s bowling, with others grabbing one each.
USA managed 158/8 chasing 191. Andries Gous (13) and Shayn Jahangir (49 off 34, 5×4, 2×6) started steadily with 42, but three quick wickets left them at 69/3. Shubham Ranjane’s defiant 51 (30 balls, 6×4) and Milind Kumar’s 29 offered hope via 54 runs, yet pressure mounted.
Pakistan’s Usman Tariq dismantled the tail with 3/27, flirting with history in the 19th over against Harmeet Singh and Mohammad Mohsin. Single strikes from Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz ensured victory. This result underscores Pakistan’s batting depth and bowling nous, positioning them perfectly in the tournament.