Pakistan’s firepower lit up Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club as they hammered USA by 32 runs in T20 World Cup 2026 Match 12 on Tuesday, vaulting to Group A’s pinnacle with +0.932 NRR on the back of successive triumphs.
After the toss misfortune, Pakistan’s 190/9 was powered by Sahibzada Farhan’s heroic 73 (41 balls: 6 fours, 5 sixes), following a 54-run blitz with Saim Ayub (19 off 17). Captain Salman Agha’s brief stay (1 run) preceded Farhan-Babar Azam’s 81-run rescue (Babar 46 off 32, 5×4), reaching 137.
Shadab Khan exploded for 30 off 12 (5 boundaries) in tandem with Mohammad Nawaz, their 34 off 16 overs decisive. USA’s Sheldley van Schalkwyk (4/25) led the fightback, ably assisted by three others with a wicket apiece.
In pursuit, USA stuttered to 158/8. The 42-run opening duo of Andries Gous (13) and Shayn Jahangir (49: 34 balls, 5×4, 2×6) dissolved into 69/3. Shubham Ranjane (51 off 30, 6×4) and Milind Kumar (29) countered with 54, but fell short.
Usman Tariq’s mesmerizing 3/27, including a hat-trick chance spurned after nabbing Harmeet (6) and Mohsin (0), swung momentum. Shaheen, Abrar, and Nawaz’s wickets polished off the chase. Pakistan’s all-round show signals serious title intent.