Hammad Aziz
Colombo: Opener Sahibzada Farhan struck a fluent half-century and spinner Usman Tariq claimed three key wickets as Pakistan defeated the United States by 32 runs in a Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground on Tuesday.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a competitive 190-9 in 20 overs, powered by Farhan’s 41-ball 73 and Babar Azam’s brisk 46. The bowlers then kept the inexperienced USA batting line-up in check, restricting them to 158-8.
The result gave Pakistan their second consecutive win of the tournament and avenged their surprise defeat to the USA in the previous edition of the competition.
Farhan, Babar anchor strong total
Farhan set the tone early with an aggressive knock featuring six fours and five sixes, adding 54 runs in five overs with Saim Ayub, who made 19 off 17 balls.
After losing two quick wickets in the powerplay, Pakistan rebuilt through an 81-run third-wicket partnership between Farhan and Babar. The former captain struck four boundaries and a six in his 32-ball 46 to steady the innings.
Farhan also crossed 1,000 T20 international runs during his innings before falling in the 16th over. Shadab Khan provided late momentum with a 12-ball 30, although Pakistan lost wickets in clusters at the death.
For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk returned impressive figures of 4-25.
Spinners seal the chase
Chasing 191, the USA showed early promise but struggled to maintain the required run rate against Pakistan’s spin attack.
Tariq led the bowling effort with 3-27, while Shadab supported with 2-26, tightening the screws in the middle overs.
Shubham Ranjane top-scored with a fighting 51 off 30 balls, and opener Shayan Jahangir contributed 49. However, the USA slipped from 123-3 to 158-8, losing momentum late in the chase.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, playing his 100th T20 international, removed Ranjane at a crucial stage to halt the resistance.
Standings boost
The victory follows Pakistan’s narrow three-wicket win over the Netherlands and strengthens their position in Group A as the tournament heads into its decisive phase.
