Pakistan sealed a comfortable 32-run victory over the United States in their second Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s SSC Ground on Tuesday, strengthening their push for the top spot and setting up a key clash with India on Sunday.

After being sent in to bat by USA captain Monank Patel, Pakistan posted a competitive 190 for nine in 20 overs. In reply, the United States were restricted to 158 for eight, falling well short of the 191-run target.

Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan provided Pakistan with a flying start, putting on 54 runs for the opening stand. Ayub was dismissed for 19, while Salman Ali Agha followed soon after, departing for one with the score at 56.

Babar Azam then joined Farhan at the crease, and the pair stabilised the innings with an 81-run partnership for the third wicket.

Both batters played confidently, with Farhan completing his half-century during the stand. Pakistan reached 137 before Babar was caught after scoring 46 off 32 balls, which included four fours and a six.

Farhan was dismissed in the following over for a fluent 73, featuring five sixes and six fours. During his knock, he also crossed the milestone of 1,000 runs in international T20 cricket.

Shadab Khan added late momentum with a rapid 30 off 12 balls, hitting four boundaries and a six. He shared a vital 34-run stand with Mohammad Nawaz to lift Pakistan’s total to 177.

However, the USA bowlers struck back in the closing overs. Faheem Ashraf and Nawaz departed cheaply, while Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed were run out without scoring.

Shaheen Shah Afridi remained unbeaten on nine as Pakistan closed their innings at 190 for nine.

For the United States, Shadley van Schalkwyk claimed four wickets, while Mohammad Mohsin, Saurabh Netravalkar and Harmeet Singh picked up one each.

Chasing 191, the USA made a steady start, with the openers adding 42 runs before Andries Gous was dismissed for 13. Captain Monank Patel fell soon after for three.

Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane then revived the chase with aggressive batting. Jahangir scored 49, while Ranjane top-scored with 51. Milind Kumar contributed 29, but regular wickets halted the momentum.

Harmeet Singh scored six, while Mohammad Mohsin and Sanjay Krishnamurthi were dismissed for ducks.

The innings ended at 158 for eight in 20 overs.

Usman Tariq led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets.

Shadab Khan took two, while Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi claimed one each.

Earlier, at the toss, Monank Patel opted to field, backing his bowlers to contain Pakistan. The Green Shirts made one change, bringing in spinner Usman Tariq in place of Salman Mirza, while the USA replaced Ali Khan with former Pakistan pacer Ehsan Adil.

Speaking after the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said his team aimed to post a big total and continue their good form. The USA skipper said his side would look to bowl tightly after a competitive showing against India.

Pakistan had entered the match after edging past the Netherlands by three wickets, while the United States were coming off a 29-run defeat against India.

With this victory, Pakistan moved to the top of the Group A standings and strengthened their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

The United States, meanwhile, now face a must-win situation in their remaining fixtures.