The Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights mark a historic night of redemption for the Men in Green at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). In a high-stakes encounter that echoed their 2024 heartbreak, Pakistan emerged victorious by 32 runs, propelled by a powerhouse 73 from opener Sahibzada Farhan and a “mystery” spin masterclass from debutant Usman Tariq. While the USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk threatened a repeat upset with a clinical four-wicket haul, Pakistan’s spinners tightened the noose under the lights. This victory doesn’t just offer two points; it signals a tactical evolution for Pakistan as they head toward the high-voltage clash against India.
Match Summary: Spinners Strangle USA’s Historic Ambition
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 - Match 12 - Pakistan vs USA
Group A • Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Pakistan’s 32-run victory was a testament to their bowling depth in subcontinental conditions. After being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted a daunting 190/9, largely thanks to an 81-run stand between Farhan and Babar Azam (46). However, they lost five wickets for just 13 runs in a chaotic final two overs. Chasing 191, the USA began with fire as Shayan Jahangir smashed a quick 49, but the introduction of Usman Tariq (3/27) changed the game. Tariq’s variations, combined with Shadab Khan’s cagey leg-spin, dismantled the USA middle order. Despite a late, defiant 51 from Shubham Ranjane, Pakistan’s discipline ensured the USA finished at 158/8.
Playing XI
Pakistan
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha (C), Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed.
USA
Andries Gous (WK), Shayan Jahangir, Monank Patel (C), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ehsan Adil, Saurabh Netravalkar.
Key Stats & Records From Today's Match:
8 Wickets: Shadley van Schalkwyk leads the tournament charts with 8 scalps in two games.
1000 Runs: Sahibzada Farhan passed the 1,000 T20I run mark during his match-winning 73.
32 Runs: This marks Pakistan’s first-ever win against the USA in T20I history.
7/8 Wickets: Pakistani spinners took 7 out of the 8 wickets to fall in the chase—a Colombo record.
Innings Breakdown
First Innings: Farhan’s Fireworks and Van Schalkwyk’s Historic Four-Fer
The opening half of the Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights was a battle of contrasting momentum. Sahibzada Farhan was the protagonist, smashing 5 sixes and 6 fours in a 41-ball 73. Alongside Babar Azam, Farhan pushed Pakistan to 135/2 by the 15th over. However, USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25) became only the second bowler in WC history to take back-to-back four-wicket hauls. Van Schalkwyk’s slower balls outsmarted the Pakistani power-hitters, triggering a late-order collapse that saw Pakistan fall just ten runs short of a projected 200+ total.
Second Innings: Usman Tariq’s "Carrom-Ball" Masterclass Derails USA
The USA’s response in the Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights began with Shayan Jahangir taking on Shaheen Afridi for 14 runs in the second over. The chase looked on until Salman Agha turned to his “mystery” man. Usman Tariq struck in his first over and never looked back, finishing with 3/27. His ability to pause in his delivery stride completely threw off Monank Patel and Milind Kumar. By the time Shubham Ranjane (51 off 30) found his groove, the required rate had soared past 16. A clinical final over from Shaheen ensured Pakistan’s NRR received a much-needed boost.
The SSC “Seabreeze” Factor: Salman Agha specifically instructed Usman Tariq to bowl from the City End during the 11th over to utilize the evening seabreeze. This tactical shift added an extra 3-4 kph of “drift” to his carrom ball, which is exactly why Monank Patel miscued his slog-sweep into the hands of Shadab Khan.
Top Performers
Sahibzada Farhan (73 off 41) - Player of the Match
The engine of the Pakistan innings. Farhan’s ability to find the boundaries when the pitch was “tacky” allowed Babar Azam to anchor the other end. His 178.04 strike rate was the definitive difference between a par score and a winning one.
Usman Tariq (3/27 off 4 overs)
The tactical “ace” in Pakistan’s sleeve. Tariq’s debut was perfection, accounting for the dangerous Milind Kumar and castling Mohammad Mohsin with a quicker carrom ball. He is the first Pakistani spinner to take 3 wickets on WC debut.
Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25 off 4 overs)
The leading wicket-taker of the tournament continued his dream run. Van Schalkwyk’s discipline in the death overs single-handedly saved the USA from a 210+ chase, proving his worth as a premier “Associate” specialist.
The SSC "Seabreeze" Factor
Can Pakistan qualify for Super 8 after the win against USA?
Yes, Pakistan is now in a commanding position. With 4 points from two games and a positive Net Run Rate (+0.825), they sit at the top of Group A. One more win against either India or Namibia will officially guarantee their spot in the Super 8. Even if they lose to India, they are likely to go through on NRR, provided they win their final game against Namibia.
What This Result Means for Pakistan
For Pakistan, this 32-run victory in Colombo is more than just two points; it is the closure of a painful chapter. By defeating the USA, the “Men in Green” have officially exorcised the ghosts of the 2024 Dallas upset, replacing a “meme-worthy” memory with clinical tactical dominance. Standing atop Group A with 4 points, Pakistan has virtually secured their Super 8 berth, needing only to avoid a massive defeat against Namibia to stay safe.
T20 World Cup 2026 Group A Points Table
Following Pakistan’s commanding 32-run victory over the USA at the SSC in Colombo, the Group A standings have shifted significantly. Pakistan has officially climbed to the top spot with 4 points from two matches, leapfrogging India on total points.
While India remains undefeated with a superior Net Run Rate (NRR) of +1.450, Pakistan’s back-to-back wins have given them the momentum heading into the February 15 blockbuster. For the USA, the second consecutive defeat leaves them at the bottom of the table, making their next clash a must-win to stay in the Super 8 conversation.
Group A Points Table
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