PAK vs USA Analysis: Sahibzada Farhan & Usman Tariq Shine as Pakistan Crushes USA by 32 Runs

Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 Analysis: Clinical Pakistan Avenge Past Upsets with a Dominant 32-Run Win

​Cricket fans witnessed a masterclass in spin bowling and tactical aggression as Pakistan took on the United States of America (USA) in Match 12 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Played at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo, this encounter was more than just a group-stage game; it was a chance for the Men in Green to settle old scores following their shock defeat to the Americans in the 2024 edition.

​In this comprehensive 1,000-word analysis, we break down the key moments, individual brilliance, and the tactical shifts that helped Pakistan secure their second consecutive win of the tournament.

​1. The Toss and Strategy: Setting the Stage

​USA captain Monank Patel won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to exploit any early moisture in the Colombo pitch. Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, welcomed the challenge of batting first.

​The strategy for Pakistan was clear: attack the powerplay and let the spinners strangle the chase later under the lights. It was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely, as the pitch at the SSC proved to be a "tale of two halves"—favoring the batters early on before turning into a spinner’s paradise.

​2. First Innings: The Sahibzada Farhan Show

​Pakistan’s innings was defined by a blistering start and a chaotic finish. Opening the batting, Sahibzada Farhan proved why he is currently one of the most dangerous T20 openers in Asia.

​Farhan hammered a sensational 73 off just 41 balls, reaching his half-century in a mere 27 deliveries. His ability to find the boundary against both pace and spin set the tone for a massive total.

• ​Babar Azam’s Role: Batting at number three, the former captain played the perfect anchor, scoring 46 off 32 balls. His elegant stroke play allowed Farhan to continue his aggressive approach from the other end.

• ​The Shadab Sizzle: When the middle order seemed to stutter, Shadab Khan provided the late-innings fireworks with a rapid 30 off 12 balls, including three massive sixes.

​The Late-Innings Collapse

​Interestingly, Pakistan was cruising toward a 200+ total until a spectacular collapse saw them lose five wickets in just 10 balls. Credit goes to USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk, who finished with exceptional figures of 4/25, preventing Pakistan from reaching the 200-run milestone. Pakistan eventually finished at 190/9.

​3. The Chase: USA’s Valiant Effort vs. Pakistan’s Spin Trap

​Chasing 191 was always going to be a tall order against a world-class bowling attack. However, the USA started with immense intent.

​Shayan Jahangir and the "Pindi Connection"

​USA openers Shayan Jahangir (49 off 34) and Andries Gous took the score to 50 within the powerplay. Jahangir, who has roots in Pakistan, played some breathtaking shots, making the Pakistani pacers look ordinary for a brief period.

​The Turning Point: The Introduction of Spin

​The game shifted dramatically when Salman Ali Agha introduced his spin quartet. The USA batters, who looked comfortable against pace, found themselves completely "strangled" by the variations of the Pakistani spinners:

• ​Usman Tariq’s Dream Debut: The mystery spinner was the star of the night, taking 3/27. His unique action and subtle changes in pace left the USA middle order clueless.

• ​Shadab Khan & Abrar Ahmed: The duo choked the run rate, with Shadab picking up 2/26 and Abrar dismissing the dangerous Sanjay Krishnamurthi.

​Shubham Ranjane kept the American hopes alive with a gritty 51 off 30 balls, but the lack of support from the other end meant the required run rate climbed beyond reach. USA finished at 158/8.

​Tactical Analysis: Why Pakistan Won

1. Superior Spin Depth

On a Colombo track that offered "grip and turn," Pakistan’s decision to play four spinners (Abrar, Nawaz, Shadab, and Tariq) was a masterstroke. They accounted for 7 of the 8 USA wickets that fell.

2. The Return of the "Attacking" Brand

Under Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan is playing a more fearless brand of cricket. Scoring at nearly 10 runs per over during the first 15 overs showed a shift in mindset that was missing in previous tournaments.

3. Exploiting Matchups

Pakistan successfully neutralized Saurabh Netravalkar, the USA's most lethal bowler. By attacking him early, they forced the USA to go to their secondary bowling options, which Farhan and Babar exploited.

7. What’s Next for Group A?

With this 32-run victory, Pakistan has moved to the top of Group A with 4 points from two matches. This win has effectively sealed their momentum heading into the "Mother of all Battles"—the India vs Pakistan clash on February 15.

For the USA, the road ahead is tough. Despite the loss, their performance against a top-tier side like Pakistan shows they are no longer just "minnows." They will need to win their remaining games against the Netherlands and Namibia to have a shot at the Super 8s.

Conclusion: A Complete Performance

Pakistan’s victory on February 10-11 was clinical. They dominated with the bat, strangled with the ball, and showed the composure of a championship-winning side. While the middle-order collapse is a slight concern, the form of Sahibzada Farhan and the spin-bowling department makes Pakistan the team to beat in Group A.

Do you think Pakistan can maintain this momentum against India on Sunday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!