Colombo A fluent half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and a decisive three-wicket spell by spinner Usman Tariq powered Pakistan to a 32-run victory over the United States in a T20 World Cup Group A match at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Tuesday.
Farhan struck a composed 73 off 41 balls, smashing five sixes and six fours, while Babar Azam contributed a brisk 46 from 32 deliveries, including four boundaries and a six, as Pakistan posted a competitive 190-9 in their 20 overs.
In response, the USA were restricted to 158-8, with Tariq claiming 3-27 and Shadab Khan taking 2-26 to stifle the chase.
Strong Start and Middle-Order Control
Pakistan openers Farhan and Saim Ayub laid a solid foundation, adding 54 runs in the first five overs. Ayub made 19 off 17 balls, including two sixes.
However, Pakistan briefly stumbled in the sixth over when Shadley van Schalkwyk removed Ayub and captain Salman Agha in quick succession. Farhan then steadied the innings alongside Babar Azam, with the pair adding 81 runs for the third wicket to regain momentum during the middle overs.
USA Fightback Falls Short
For the United States, Shubham Ranjane top-scored with a spirited 51 off 30 balls, striking three sixes and three fours, before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was featuring in his 100th T20 international appearance.
Opener Shayan Jahangir contributed 49 from 34 deliveries, while Milind Kumar added 29. The USA appeared well-placed at 123-3 before losing momentum and eventually falling short of the target.
The victory avenged Pakistan’s surprise defeat to the United States in the T20 World Cup two years ago and marked their second consecutive win in the tournament, following a narrow three-wicket triumph over the Netherlands.
With momentum building, Pakistan strengthened their position in Group A as the competition progresses.
