The ghosts of Dallas were finally laid to rest in Colombo as Pakistan secured a clinical 32-run victory over the United States, marking their second consecutive win in the T20 World Cup. Two years ago, a shock defeat to the Americans contributed to Pakistan’s humiliating first-round exit; today, the former champions delivered a firm rebuttal to those who suggested they would buckle under the pressure of a rematch.
Prior to the encounter, US cricketer Mohammad Mohsin—himself of Pakistani origin—provocatively claimed that the historical weight of the 2024 upset would leave Pakistan “under pressure.” However, on the pitch, Pakistan appeared revitalised, following up their opening win against the Netherlands with a performance that places them firmly on the path to the Super Eight.
A Tale of Two Innings: Power and Precision
Pakistan’s innings was defined by an explosive start and a composed middle-order anchor. The opening pair raced to 54 runs within the first five overs, setting a foundation that threatened to breach the 200-run mark. While the US medium-pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk temporarily derailed the momentum with a brilliant double-wicket maiden in the sixth over, Sahibzada Farhan took command.
Farhan’s aggressive 73 off 41 balls provided the necessary impetus, complemented by a measured 46 from Babar Azam. The pair shared an 82-run partnership, allowing Shadab Khan to late-charge with a blistering 30 off just 12 deliveries. Despite a late flurry of wickets by Van Schalkwyk—who finished with impressive figures of 4/25—Pakistan posted a formidable 190.
The Run Chase: American Resistance Fades
The United States began their chase with intent, putting on 42 runs for the first wicket in less than five overs. However, once Mohammad Nawaz made the initial breakthrough, the American middle order struggled against the guile of Pakistan’s spin attack. Apart from Shubham Ranjane, who struck a valiant 51, and Shayan Jahangir’s 49, the US batting line-up crumbled, with only four players reaching double figures.
| Match Component | Pakistan | USA |
| 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) |
| Strike Rate Lead | Shadab Khan (250.00) | Shubham Ranjane (170.00) |
| Result | Pakistan won by 32 runs |
Strategic Mastery
The standout performer with the ball for Pakistan was Usman Tariq, whose three wickets for 27 runs dismantled the US middle order. Supported by Shadab Khan’s all-round contribution (2/26), Pakistan’s bowling unit looked a class above. The victory not only earns Pakistan two vital points but also significantly boosts their Net Run Rate, a factor that proved fatal in their previous World Cup campaign.
For the United States, while Van Schalkwyk’s individual brilliance—matching his four-wicket haul against India—is a silver lining, the defeat highlights the gap they must bridge to compete consistently with the upper echelon of world cricket.