In a high-octane clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo, Pakistan set a formidable target of 191 for the USA in their T20 World Cup 2026 group stage encounter. Sahibzada Farhan’s explosive half-century proved to be the cornerstone of Pakistan’s innings, as they finished at 190 for 9 in 20 overs.
USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that initially paid off with early breakthroughs. Openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided a blistering start, racing to 54 runs in just 5.1 overs for the first wicket. Ayub fell for 19 off 17 balls, smashing two sixes and a four, before captain Salman Ali Agha managed just 1 run off 3 balls.
At 56 for 2, Farhan joined forces with Babar Azam to steady the ship. Their third-wicket partnership of 81 runs propelled the score to 137. Babar departed for a gritty 46 off 32 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six. Farhan continued his onslaught, reaching his fifty before being dismissed at 143 for 73 off 41 balls – a knock adorned with six fours and five sixes.
Shadab Khan injected late momentum with a quickfire 30 off 12 balls, bludgeoning four fours and a six. USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk starred with the ball, claiming 4 for 25 in his four overs. Mohammad Mohsin, Harmeet Singh, and Saurabh Netravalkar picked up one wicket each, while two batsmen were run out.Extras added 6 runs to the total.
Pakistan’s total sets up a thrilling chase under the Colombo lights, with USA now tasked with one of the highest pursuits in T20 World Cup history. Farhan’s masterclass could well define this matchup.