Pakistan dealt a crushing blow to their arch-rivals the United States, exacting revenge for their shock defeat at the 2024 T20 World Cup two years ago. In a thrilling match played at the Singhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Pakistan emerged victorious by 32 runs, outclassing their opponents on all fronts.
Pakistan's victory was largely thanks to the impressive half-century from opener Sahibzada Farhan, who hit five sixes and six fours off his 41-ball innings. However, it was a brilliant 32-ball 46 from middle-order batsman Babar Azam that really sealed the deal for Pakistan. With four fours and one six, Azam set the tone for the team's total of 190-9.
Pakistan's spinners then wreaked havoc on the inexperienced USA batting line-up, with Usman Tariq taking three crucial wickets for 27 runs and Shadab Khan chipping in with two wickets for 26. The USA were restricted to a paltry 158-8 in 20 overs, leaving Pakistan to celebrate a comprehensive victory.
The win marked not only revenge for their earlier defeat but also handed Pakistan a second consecutive cricket win, following their thrilling three-wicket win over the Netherlands on Saturday. The USA, however, were left reeling from another disappointing loss, with top-scorer Shubham Ranjane falling to pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan's victory has sent shockwaves through the tournament and is sure to give them a confidence boost as they look to build momentum for the rest of their campaign. Meanwhile, the USA will be left to ponder what might have been, having squandered a promising start before succumbing to Pakistan's dominant display.
Pakistan's victory was largely thanks to the impressive half-century from opener Sahibzada Farhan, who hit five sixes and six fours off his 41-ball innings. However, it was a brilliant 32-ball 46 from middle-order batsman Babar Azam that really sealed the deal for Pakistan. With four fours and one six, Azam set the tone for the team's total of 190-9.
Pakistan's spinners then wreaked havoc on the inexperienced USA batting line-up, with Usman Tariq taking three crucial wickets for 27 runs and Shadab Khan chipping in with two wickets for 26. The USA were restricted to a paltry 158-8 in 20 overs, leaving Pakistan to celebrate a comprehensive victory.
The win marked not only revenge for their earlier defeat but also handed Pakistan a second consecutive cricket win, following their thrilling three-wicket win over the Netherlands on Saturday. The USA, however, were left reeling from another disappointing loss, with top-scorer Shubham Ranjane falling to pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pakistan's victory has sent shockwaves through the tournament and is sure to give them a confidence boost as they look to build momentum for the rest of their campaign. Meanwhile, the USA will be left to ponder what might have been, having squandered a promising start before succumbing to Pakistan's dominant display.