Pakistan Beats USA to Avenge T20 WC Upset in Colombo

COLOMBO 

Pakistan produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat the United States by 32 runs in a crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, avenging their shock defeat to the Americans in the previous edition of the tournament.

Asked to bat first after the USA won the toss and chose to field, Pakistan posted a competitive 190 for 9 in their 20 overs, driven by a fluent and aggressive batting display at the top and middle of the order.

The innings was anchored by Sahibzada Farhan, who played with confidence and intent, scoring 73 runs off 41 balls. His knock, laced with well-timed boundaries and powerful sixes, set the tone for Pakistan and ensured a strong platform despite regular wickets falling at the other end. Babar Azam provided stability with a composed 46 off 32 deliveries, rotating strike effectively and keeping the innings together through the middle overs.

Late acceleration came from Shadab Khan, whose quick 30 off 12 balls lifted Pakistan close to the 190 mark, a total that looked challenging under Colombo’s conditions.

In reply, the United States showed early promise and fought hard to stay in the contest. Shubham Ranjane led the chase with a determined 51, while Shayan Jahangir added 49, the pair briefly raising hopes of a competitive finish as they countered Pakistan’s pace attack with calculated aggression.

However, Pakistan’s spinners seized control at a critical stage. Usman Tariq emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three wickets to break the back of the American batting order. Shadab Khan supported him effectively with two key dismissals, while Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Shaheen Shah Afridi maintained pressure with disciplined lines and lengths.

Despite pockets of resistance, the USA were restricted to 158 for 8 at the end of their 20 overs, falling short by 32 runs.

The victory was significant for Pakistan on multiple fronts. It not only delivered valuable points in the group standings but also served as a measure of redemption after their unexpected loss to the USA in the last T20 World Cup, a result that had stunned the cricketing world.

For Pakistan, the win highlighted a balanced performance, with top-order batting, late-innings hitting, and effective spin bowling all clicking together. It also extended their positive momentum in the tournament, strengthening their position ahead of tougher fixtures to come, including a highly anticipated clash against traditional rivals.

For the United States, the defeat ended hopes of repeating their earlier upset, but the performance still offered encouragement. Contributions from Ranjane and Jahangir underlined the team’s growing competitiveness on the global stage, even as consistency remains a challenge.

As the tournament progresses, Pakistan’s response in Colombo sends a clear message: the side has learned from past setbacks and is determined to assert itself as a serious contender once again on the T20 World Cup stage.

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