After stunning former champions Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the USA were unable to repeat the feat in the 2026 edition as Pakistan produced a dominant all-round display to win the Group A clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, on Tuesday, February 10. Batting first, Pakistan capitalised on improved conditions at the SSC to post a competitive 190/9. Sahibzada Farhan set the tone with a fluent innings, while Babar Azam anchored the effort as the pair put the USA under sustained pressure. Following the early dismissals of Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, the duo added 81 runs for the third wicket to build a solid platform, with Farhan scoring 73 off 41 balls and Babar contributing 46 from 32 deliveries.
Pakistan, meanwhile, were keen to iron out flaws exposed in their narrow win over the Netherlands. Chasing a modest target, they appeared in control before a worrying middle-order collapse turned a routine pursuit into a tense finish, eventually rescued by Faheem Ashraf. The implosion has raised questions about Pakistan’s temperament under pressure, an area captain Salman Ali Agha has openly admitted needs improvement. Much of the focus will be on Babar Azam, who is under scrutiny following his return to T20 internationals, while opener Saim Ayub will also be expected to contribute more with the bat after playing a bigger role with the ball in recent matches. Agha himself, promoted up the order, will need to lead from the front. For the USA, batting consistency remains a concern. Captain Monank Patel has acknowledged loose shot selection in the powerplay against India, a phase they must navigate better against Pakistan’s varied attack. The bowling, however, remains their strength, with Shadley Van Schalkwyk leading an impressive unit, while Saurabh Netravalkar will be eager to bounce back after a quiet opener. The fitness of pacer Ali Khan remains a talking point.