Memories of the bitter 2024 upset in Dallas were finally laid to rest in Colombo, as a resurgent Pakistan side secured a comprehensive 32-run victory over the United States. Two years ago, Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup was triggered by a shock defeat to the Americans—a scar that remained until this decisive encounter. With this win, the former champions have secured “two for two” in the group stages, following their opening triumph against the Netherlands.
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Pre-Match Tension and Early Momentum
The build-up to the fixture was marked by bold assertions from the American camp. Pakistani-born US cricketer Mohammad Mohsin had suggested that Pakistan would be the side “under pressure,” citing their historical vulnerability against the US. However, once play commenced, the men in green displayed a clinical edge that silenced such talk.
Pakistan’s opening pair ignited the innings, racing to 54 runs within the first five overs. Sahibzada Farhan was the protagonist of the early charge, playing with an aggression that contrasts with his usual steady approach. He reached a blistering half-century in just 27 balls, eventually departing for a magnificent 73 off 41 deliveries.
The Van Schalkwyk Resistance
The US found a saviour in the 37-year-old medium-pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk. In the sixth over, he stalled Pakistan’s momentum by dismissing Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha in quick succession. Despite a formidable 82-run partnership between Farhan and Babar Azam (who anchored the innings with 46), Van Schalkwyk’s late-innings heroics—taking four wickets for the second consecutive game—prevented Pakistan from breaching the 200-run milestone.
Match Summary: Pakistan vs USA
| Category | Pakistan | United States |
| Total Score | 190/9 (20 Overs) | 158/8 (20 Overs) |
| Top Scorer | Sahibzada Farhan (73) | Shubham Ranjane (51) |
| Best Bowler | Usman Tariq (3/27) | S. van Schalkwyk (4/25) |
| Partnership | Farhan & Babar (82 runs) | Gous & Taylor (42 runs) |
| Result | Pakistan won by 32 runs | — |
USA’s Spirited Chase Falls Short
The American pursuit began promisingly, with an opening stand of 42 runs in under five overs. However, once Mohammad Nawaz broke the deadlock by removing Andries Gous, the US middle order struggled against the guile of Pakistan’s spinners.
Only four American batsmen reached double figures. Shubham Ranjane provided the lone resistance, striking a defiant 51 off 30 balls, including three sixes. Nevertheless, the target proved too steep as Usman Tariq dismantled the lower order with a three-wicket haul. Shadab Khan also contributed significantly, following up his 12-ball 30 with the bat by taking two crucial wickets for 26 runs.
The victory sees Pakistan firmly on the path to the Super Eight, having successfully exorcised the ghosts of Dallas. Sahibzada Farhan was deservedly named Player of the Match for his explosive contribution at the top of the order.