T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs USA, Match Review

T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs USA - Two wins in Two for Salman Ali Agah's Men

Pakistan put to bed the 2024 nightmares with a resounding 32-run victory over the USA. After a minute hiccup against the Dutch, Pakistan were clinical and had all departments covered to a nicety. The win was built on a combination of aggressive top-order batting, a blistering late-order cameo, and a dominant spin-bowling performance.

Batting Highlights

• Sahibzada Farhan’s Explosive Start: Opening the batting, Farhan was instrumental in giving Pakistan early momentum. He reached a 50 off just 27 balls and finished as the top scorer with 73 runs, ensuring Pakistan took advantage of the PowerPlay.

• Babar Azam’s Mid-Innings Acceleration: After a slow start where he struggled for rhythm, Babar Azam decisively shifted the momentum in the 13th over by attacking left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh for a six and two fours. He eventually contributed a vital 46 of 32.

• Shadab Khan’s Late Flourish: With Pakistan looking to up the ante in the death overs, Shadab Khan played a blistering cameo, scoring 30 runs off only 12 balls. His innings included a hat-trick of boundaries against Ehsan Adil, pushing Pakistan's total to a competitive 190/9.

Bowling and Tactical Key Performances

• Dominant Spin Strategy: Pakistan’s tactical decision to rely heavily on spin proved decisive. 16 of the 20 overs were delivered by spinners, a ploy that successfully "tightened the screws" on the USA batters.

• Usman Tariq’s Deceptive Spell: Making his first appearance of the tournament, Tariq was the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 27. He used a variety of "tricks" and a slower pace to keep the batters quiet and found himself on a hat-trick in the penultimate over.

• Shadab Khan’s All-Round Contribution: In addition to his batting, Shadab was effective with the ball, taking 2 for 26. He claimed the crucial wicket of Shayan Jahangir, who was one run short of a half-century and looked dangerous for the USA.

• Supporting Bowlers: Mohammad Nawaz broke an early partnership by dismissing Andries Gous, and Abrar Ahmed cleaned up Sanjay Krishnamurthi with a quicker delivery. Shaheen Afridi closed the game by yorking Shubham Ranjane, who had scored a fighting 51.

These combined efforts allowed Pakistan to restrict the USA to 158/8, securing their second win of the tournament and moving them to the top of Group A.

Next fixture for Pakistan - 15th February, vs India at Colombo (RPS), 7:00 PM, IST

Next fixture for the USA - 13th February, vs Namibia in Delhi, 7:00 PM, IST