Colombo (Web Desk): In a thrilling Group A encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo, Pakistan batted first after the United States won the toss and opted to field, setting a competitive target of 191 runs for the Americans.
Pakistan’s innings began aggressively, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saima Ayub bringing up the team’s fifty in just 5 overs. Farhan smashed 3 sixes and 4 fours, while Saima contributed 3 sixes and a four. The first wicket fell at 54 runs when Saima Ayub was dismissed for 19 off 17 balls, followed shortly by captain Salman Ali Agha, who got out for 1 run at 56.
At the third-wicket stage, Babar Azam joined Farhan, and together they stitched a partnership of 81 runs off 53 balls, taking the team past 100 runs in the 12th over. Babar was dismissed for 46 off 32 balls, and Farhan fell soon after for 73 off 41 balls, leaving Pakistan with a strong total.
Shadab Khan then played a blazing cameo of 30 runs off 12 balls, adding quick runs alongside Mohammad Nawaz, with the pair putting together a 34-run partnership. Shadab was dismissed at 177, but in the final over, Shaheen Afridi struck a six to take Pakistan’s total to 190 runs.
Captain Salman Ali Agha confirmed one change in the playing XI, with Usman Tariq replacing Salman Mirza.
Pakistan Playing XI: Salman Ali Agha (c), Sahibzada Farhan, Saima Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Fahim Ashraf.
USA Playing XI: Monak Patel (c), Andres Goss, Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthy, Shubham Ranjane, Harmit Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Chadley Van Schalkwijk, Ehsan Adil, Sourabh Netravalkar.
This was the second match of the tournament for both teams. Pakistan had earlier defeated Netherlands, while the USA lost their opening match against India.