Opener Sahibzada Farhan’s impressive 73 runs and a strong bowling performance led Pakistan to a 32-run victory over the USA in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group A match in Colombo. Pakistan set a competitive target of 190/9, with Farhan’s explosive batting and a key partnership with captain Babar Azam playing crucial roles. Despite a spirited effort from the USA’s Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane, they finished at 158/8.
Farhan and Saim Ayub’s 54-run opening stand provided Pakistan with early momentum. Farhan’s aggressive innings of 73 off 41 balls, including six fours and five sixes, set the stage for a high-scoring total. A solid 81-run partnership between Farhan and Babar further boosted Pakistan’s innings, with Babar contributing 46 runs off 32 balls.
Although Pakistan lost wickets towards the end, Shadab Khan’s quick 30 off 12 balls helped them reach close to the 200-run mark. In response, the USA struggled to maintain momentum against Pakistan’s varied bowling attack. Shayan Jahangir’s 49 and Shubham Ranjane’s 51 provided some resistance, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling restricted the USA to 158/8, securing a comprehensive win.
Pakistan avenged their previous loss to the USA from the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the USA had caused a major upset by defeating Pakistan.
