T20 World Cup: Usman Tariq spins a web over USA as Pakistan complete revenge
India Today
T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan exact revenge on USA with a dominant 32-run victory in Colombo, settling a significant score from the 2024 T20 World Cup. A complete spin masterclass saw Tariq, Khan, and Ahmad stifle the American batters.
Pakistan put on a clinical display of spin bowling to exact revenge on the USA with a dominant 32-run victory in Colombo on Tuesday, registering their second consecutive win and settling a significant score from the 2024 T20 World Cup.
That earlier encounter had proven catastrophic for Pakistan's tournament aspirations, with the USA's shock victory leaving the side in dire straits and ultimately costing them a place in the Super 8s. This time, it was Pakistan who turned the tables decisively. What emerged as a complete spin-fest saw Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmad orchestrate a suffocating bowling performance that left the American batters with no answers.
PAK vs USA, T20 World Cup 2026: Highlights | Scorecard
The bowling display was so comprehensive that only Shaheen Afridi operated with the new ball, and even the pace spearhead found little success until claiming a solitary wicket in the final over. The remaining 16 overs belonged entirely to Pakistan's spin contingent, a testament to both their skill and the pitch conditions in Colombo.
Pakistan's innings laid the foundation for their eventual victory, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub providing a brisk powerplay platform. Farhan led the charge aggressively, while Ayub looked to be hitting his stride before falling to Shadley van Schalkwyk's slower delivery. The South African pacer struck twice more in the powerplay closing stages, dismissing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha with another well-disguised slower ball that caught the batter off guard.
What followed was an outstanding individual performance from Farhan, who single-handedly orchestrated Pakistan's acceleration, maintaining a strike rate above eight runs per over. His aggression kept the scorecard ticking as the middle order struggled initially to find rhythm.
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