HIGHLIGHTS Pakistan vs USA, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 12 T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for the all-important chase. Pakistani players form a huddle around the ropes before spreading out. Andries Gous and Shayan Jahangir walk in with their blades for the USA. Shaheen Afridi has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

USA have a mountain to climb - The late burst of wickets gave USA a mini-comeback in the final overs, but the damage had largely been done. Chasing a target of 191 will require some effort from their batting lineup against a confident Pakistani attack. While the pitch looks good for batting, USA will need to score from the very beginning to stay in the hunt.

Shadley shines with the ball - It was a tough outing for the USA bowlers, who struggled to find their line and length for most of the innings. The standout performer was undoubtedly Shadley van Schalkwyk, who claimed vital wickets, copy-pasting his last spell against India, 4-0-25-4 while managing to maintain pressure. Mohammad Mohsin also chipped in with a tidy spell and a wicket, but the rest of the attack proved expensive.

Pakistan powers to 190! Pakistan have posted a daunting total of 190 runs thanks to a solid foundation and a fiery finish. After getting off to a flying start, Sahibzada Farhan took charge with a blistering 73 off just 41 balls. He was ably supported by Babar Azam, who contributed a classy 46, steering the team to a strong position of 85/2 at the halfway mark. Although they lost a flurry of wickets late in the innings, a cameo of 30 runs from just 12 balls by Shadab Khan ensured they finished with a massive score.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, OUT! ABRAR AHMED IS RUN OUT! Low full toss on leg. Shaheen backs away and goes for the slog over cow corner but gets it off the toe end, sending it high into the air. The deep mid-wicket fielder tracks it to his right and cuts it off. The batters push hard for a third, with Abrar charging towards the danger end. Shayan Jahangir shoots in the throw to Gous, who moves forward a bit, gathers cleanly, turns and nails the direct hit at the striker’s end. Replays confirm Abrar is well short of his crease. So, only two runs will be counted as PAKISTAN FINISH ON 190/9!

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, SIX! GOOD STRIKE! Full on leg. Afridi backs away, creates room and launches it straight back over the bowler’s head. The long-off fielder shuffles across, but the ball clears him comfortably for six.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Usman Khan, OUT! USMAN KHAN IS RUN OUT! A yorker outside off, angling across the batter. Usman goes chasing for the drive and is beaten on the outside edge. Usman is caught ball-watching but Shaheen takes off for a bye, Usman doesn’t move, and both end up stranded at the same end before Khan eventually skates through. Gous calmly underarms it to Netravalkar, who gathers the ball, sprints back and whips the bails off to complete the run out at his end.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, Very full, on middle, Shaheen Afridi flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shaheen Afridi, Full and angling into the pads. Afridi misses the flick, the ball thudding low on the front pad. Netravalkar lets out a half-hearted LBW appeal but the umpire is unmoved. The batters pinch a run, and Shaheen briefly eyes a second before Usman shuts it down. Gous then adds to the chaos with a needless throw at the bowler’s end, the ball clips the stumps and trickles away towards mid on to concede an overthrow.

Shaheen Afridi is in at number 9.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Nawaz, OUT! TAKEN! Over the wicket. Length ball around fifth stump at 120 kph. Nawaz goes back and across and looks to heave it away through the on side, but cannot generate enough power and timing on it. Shayan Jahangir at deep mid-wicket steadies himself under the ball and takes a clean catch.

Okay then, one over to go. Usman Khan is the new batter in. Saurabh Netravalkar to bowl the last six balls.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Faheem Ashraf, OUT! CAUGHT! The slower one again does the trick for Shadley and he has four to his name. Short of a good length and pushed wide outside off, well away from the batter’s arc. Faheem throws his hands at it, slashing hard but failing to keep it down. No error this time from Saurabh Netravalkar, who takes a good catch, stretching forward at the edge of the circle at short third. 4-0-25-4, brilliant figures for Shadley van Schalkwyk yet again.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Mohammad Nawaz, In the air... dropped! This will go down as a dropped chance. Slower ball on a length around sixth stump, the off cutter from van Schalkwyk. Nawaz swings hard, looking to go over the top through covers, but only slices it high into the air. Netravalkar sprints in from short third towards the point region, completely misjudges the catch, and fails to get even a fingertip on it. The batters sneak through a single.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Faheem Ashraf, Too full, on off, Faheem Ashraf shovels it uppishly and down the ground. The man from long off swoops across to his left and cuts it off. Saves a certain boundary there. Just a single.

Faheem Ashraf makes his way out to the middle now. He was the one who heroically rescued his side out of trouble against the Dutch.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Shadab Khan, OUT! CAUGHT! Wicket number 3 for Shadley as he continues his magic with the ball in this World Cup. Hard length outside off, and Shadab is caught out by the extra pace, perhaps anticipating another slower one. The ball balloons off the splice, and Gous calls van Schalkwyk out of the way before settling under it to complete the catch. Shadab Khan departs after a breezy knock of 30 off 12. Pakistan are 177/5.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Shadab Khan, FOUR! That is such a clever shot. Clever, because Shadab stood with an off stump guard and read the pace off nicely. It was short and outside off, and Shadab nailed the pull shot towards cow corner for a boundary.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Shadab Khan, Nails the yorker in at the toes, sliding down, Shadab Khan just about manages to squeeze it out.

Shadley van Schalkwyk (3-0-19-2) to bowl the penultimate.

Ehsan Adil to Shadab Khan, Short and bouncing off the pitch, outside off, Shadab Khan negotiates well to this off pace ball and steers it with soft hands. It goes on the bounce to backward point for a single. 16 from the over​​​​​, are Pakistan fancying 200 here?

Ehsan Adil to Shadab Khan, An off cutter, on that in-between length, over middle. Shadab Khan is cramped up for space and mistimes the pull shot wide of mid-wicket and calls his partner through for a second run.

Ehsan Adil to Shadab Khan, FOUR! Cuts, and cuts well, does Shadab! On a back of a length, outside off, Shadab Khan makes use of the width on offer and cuts it square through backward point and the ball scurries away to the ropes for a boundary. A hat trick of fours for Shadab.

Ehsan Adil to Shadab Khan, FOUR! How about that for timing! A low full toss, slower ball, wide outside off. Shadab Khan gives himself a bit of room and chips it over extra cover and beats the fielder in the deep.

Ehsan Adil to Shadab Khan, FOUR! Helped on its way! Ehsan errs in line and length, down leg, full in length. Shadab Khan reads the off cutter nicely, goes outside off and paddles it to long leg for a boundary.

Ehsan Adil to Mohammad Nawaz, Too full, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nawaz flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shadab Khan, Hard length, on middle, Shadab Khan slogs it over mid-wicket for a brace. 12 from the over, and with 3 overs left, Pakistan will be aiming for anything around 185-190.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shadab Khan, SIX! Just over deep mid-wicket! Short, on middle and leg, slower too. Shadab Khan goes deep in his crease and pulls it over a leaping deep mid-wicket fielder for a biggie. 150 comes up for Pakistan.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Nawaz, Much fuller, on off, Mohammad Nawaz pushes it towards cover for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Shadab Khan, Slower ball on a length around middle and leg. Shadab looks to work it away on the leg side and appears to get a faint inside edge onto the front pad. The ball then deflects towards backward point for a single. The decision has been sent upstairs to the TV umpire, as Monank reviews. UltraEdge shows a clear spike and the on-field decision stands NOT OUT!

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Nawaz, Short ball wide outside off, slower ball. 106 kph. Nawaz slaps it to deep extra cover for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Nawaz, Gets away with it! Full and wide outside off, well beyond the tramline, with pace on from Netravalkar. Nawaz goes for the square drive but only manages a thick outside edge that flies through to the keeper.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Mohammad Nawaz, NO BALL! For overstepping! Short of a length and pushed wide outside off, the slower ball. Nawaz looks to carve the square cut but misses, and the ball carries through to the keeper.

Harmeet Singh to Shadab Khan, Around off, on a fuller length, Shadab Khan chips it inside out over extra cover for a couple.

Shadab Khan walks in to bat now.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, OUT! STRAIGHT UP AND GONE! That's a massive, massive blow to Pakistan, in the context of the game. Around the wicket, 98 kph. A length delivery pushed wide outside off, well away from the batter’s hitting arc. Farhan stretches for it and tries to loft it straight down the ground but fails to get the required elevation. Sanjay Krishnamurthi at long off shuffles to his right and holds on to a sharp catch. Sahibzada Farhan departs for a well-constructed 73 off 41 balls.

Harmeet Singh to Mohammad Nawaz, Flat and full, on leg, Nawaz has a hoick by getting crouched. The ball rolls to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, Fuller and around off, Sahibzada Farhan makes room and slaps to long off for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, BEATEN! Takes all the pace off it, full and outside the leg stump line. Sahibzada Farhan shuffles across to sweep, but fails to read the flight and is beaten all ends up.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! That's very well played! Pitched full and on off, Sahibzada Farhan sits on his knee and tonks it over the bowler's head for a cracking boundary.

Mohammad Mohsin to Mohammad Nawaz, Dropped! Flatter, shorter, and outside off. Mohammad Nawaz tries to slap it but gets a faint edge. The keeper, Andries Gous, behind the stumps, gets his glove to it but drops the catch to his left.

Mohammad Mohsin to Mohammad Nawaz, Nice and full, on off, Mohammad Nawaz blocks it to the mid off fielder.

The 81-run partnership is broken. Just what the doctor ordered for the USA. And a promotion for Mohammad Nawaz as he walks in at number 5.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, OUT! TAKEN! Short and wide outside off at 82 kph. Babar rocks onto the back foot and goes for the flat-batted hit straight down the ground, but mistimes it off the splice and it goes a lot straighter than Babar intended it to hit. Milind Kumar at long on charges in, dives forward, and pulls off an excellent catch and claims it. Pakistan are 137/3.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, FOUR! That's a poor delivery! A juicy full toss, down the leg side, Babar Azam picks it off his pads and lofts it over short fine for a boundary.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, Nice and full, on middle, Babar Azam blocks it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, That's a beauty! Short, outside off, spinning away. Babar Azam tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

DRINKS BREAK. Since the last hydration break, which was taken right after the end of the Powerplay, Pakistan have added 77 runs, with the last three overs going for 42. USA bowled with control in patches, but just haven't been able to pick regular wickets. Pakistan have got a solid platform for a huge finish, with still a fair bit of batting and power-hitters to come next. They will be disappointed if they don't get past 200 with the way things are going for them right now. That said, it only takes one or two tight overs to arrest the momentum, and that is exactly what the USA will be aiming to deliver. Mohammad Mohsin (3-0-23-0) returns to bowl out.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Babar Azam, Full, on middle and leg, Babar Azam attempts to play through the line but it takes the inner half and runs down to long on. They cross for a run.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Babar Azam, FOUR! Babar Azam moves to 41 from just 27 balls! A slower bouncer, on off, Babar Azam waits for the ball and pulls it in the gap through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Babar Azam, Bangs a bouncer, on off, slower in pace. Babar Azam goes for the pull shot, but the way his bat comes down, it appears more like a forehand cross-court straight from Tennis. It goes rolling down to long on and they get two runs. The running between the wickets has been brilliant.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sahibzada Farhan, Hard length, on off, Sahibzada Farhan drills it through wide of mid off for another single.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Babar Azam, Very full, outside off, Babar Azam drives it through cover-point for a single.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Babar Azam, This is brilliant running between the wickets! Full, on middle and leg, Babar Azam flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

A very productive over for Pakistan to get going. Babar Azam was batting on 15 (18) before this over, and now, he has moved to 32 (23), suddenly looking in good rhythm. Shadley van Schalkwyk (2-0-8-2) is brought back on, replacing Mohammad Mohsin.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Massive over for Pakistan! Quicker, just outside off, Sahibzada Farhan leans on and cracks a drive through extra cover for a boundary. 21 runs from the over.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Nice and full, on leg, Babar Azam turns it to backward square leg for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, FOUR MORE! 16 from the over already! Flatter, outside off, Babar Azam picks it well and steers it in the gap through backward point for yet another boundary.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, FOUR! Nicely played! Short ball, on middle and leg, Babar Azam rocks back and pulls it powerfully through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Full, on off, Babar Azam leans on and flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, SIX! Babar Azam goes big this time! Fifty partnership comes up between this duo now. Short, on middle and leg, Babar Azam swivels and pulls it over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stands.

Sahibzada Farhan has kept the runs coming at a fair clip from one end, but Babar Azam has again started at a snail's pace, batting under a strike rate of 100. He is itching to get going, but just hasn't found the timing right yet.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, In the air... safe! Flatter, outside off, Babar Azam mistimes his lofted shot towards long off, and it goes on a bounce, for a single.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter, just outside off, Sahibzada Farhan knocks it down to long off for a single. 100 comes up for Pakistan.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, Nice and full, on off, Babar Azam drives it through mid off for a run.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Keeps it short, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan cuts it through point for a single.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Short and wide, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it to the cover fielder.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! That sails into the stands! Fuller, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan gets down on one knee and slogs it powerfully over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, Quicker through the air, on off, Sahibzada Farhan knocks it down to long off for another single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Five singles as of now. Tidy over so far. Short, on middle, Babar Azam tugs it through mid-wicket for a run.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, This is good bowling from Harmeet Singh. He follows Farhan again, down leg. Sahibzada Farhan pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Short, on middle, Babar Azam goes deep in his crease and pulls it wide of mid on for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, Follows the batter down leg, Sahibzada Farhan flicks it to mid on for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Flatter, and down leg following Babar Azam, he shuffles and pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Halfway reached. Pakistan are 85/2, going decently. However, they were 56/2 at the end of the Powerplay. The USA bowlers have managed to rein in the free-flowing stroke play and apply a degree of control. Harmeet Singh returns.

Ehsan Adil to Babar Azam, On a length, outside off, Babar stabs it to extra cover, where a slight fumble allows the batters to cross. A single to end the over.

Ehsan Adil to Babar Azam, WIDE! That bounced like on a trampoline. Short and it kicks up over the batter's head. Babar, just for a fraction, looks to ramp, but aborts it. Wide called for height.

Ehsan Adil to Babar Azam, On a back of a length, outside off, Babar Azam square cuts it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Ehsan Adil to Babar Azam, BEATEN! Babar is feeling the heat. He walks out of the crease and tries to steer it past cover-point, but Ehsan bowls it close to his body and on a good length. It lands and nips away, beating Azam's bat by a kitten-whisker.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, Full and on leg, Sahibzada Farhan flicks off the pads to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, FIFTY FOR SAHIBZADA FARHAN! Off just 27 balls. His 9th T20I fifty, and this is his first T20 World Cup fifty as well. A special moment for Farhan and he has earned this through a fine knock so far. A cutter by the looks of it by Ehsan, short and on middle. Sahibzada Farhan pulls it to widish deep square leg and scampers back for a second run.

Ehsan Adil to Babar Azam, Slower one, into the pitch, on top of off, Babar Azam is deceived by the pace off and mistimes his pull shot. Bottom hand comes off the handle, and the ball rolls towards deep square leg for a single. Clever variations from Ehsan.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, Uh, oh! No Ball called as Ehsan has overstepped. Skids through onto the stumps, on a good length. Sahibzada Farhan plays from the crease and tucks it to deep sqaure leg for a run. Free Hit time!

Ehsan Adil (1-0-13-0) is called back into the attack. He replaces Harmeet Singh.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, Pushed fuller, on the stumps, Babar stretches forward and eases it back to the bowler.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, A length ball and this is dabbed wide of cover for a single.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Just for a moment, the deep mid-wicket fielder felt that he is in business. Full in length, around off, Sahibzada Farhan sits down on his knee and brings his wrists to play. Nonchalantly slogs it aerially towards deep mid-wicket and the fielder leaps but it sails over his head for a six.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, A tad flatter, on a length, Babar Azam tucks it across between mid-wicket and square leg for an easy run.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, Full and on middle, a conventional leg break by Mohsin. Babar Azam lunges ahead and smothers the spin.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, The stumps are attacked, on a length. Farhan goes deep in the crease and punches it down to long on for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, On a fractionally fuller length, on off, Babar steers it to the point region.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Another piece of good running! Babar shimmies down the track and flicks this full ball into the vacant square leg region and calls for two. Harmeet rushes across as there is no fielder there and by the time he gets to the ball, they rail back for the second run.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, Hangs up there, full and on off. Sahibzada Farhan drives it with the spin to long off for a run.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Spins away on a fuller length, around off, Babar Azam presses forward and steers it to deep cover-point for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Sahibzada Farhan, Serves it up there, full and on the stumps, Farhan drives it along the ground to long off for a single.

Harmeet Singh to Babar Azam, Pushed through, full and around off, Babar Azam gets on the front foot and eases it past cover for a single.

Harmeet Singh is into the attack now.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Good running! A touch fuller, on the stumps, Sahibzada Farhan leans on and clips it using soft hands through mid-wicket and calls Babar through for a second run.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, Full and floated around off, Babar Azam leans on and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mohammad Mohsin to Babar Azam, Pushed flat and on a length, on middle, Babar bunts it down the strip.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Drags the length back a bit, Sahibzada Farhan works it across to the mid-wicket region for a single.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Dishes out a googly, on off, pushed back at the bowler.

Mohammad Mohsin to Sahibzada Farhan, Good length, on off, cut off the back foot to cover.

Pakistan have just been pegged back a bit with two big wickets. In walks Babar Azam at number 4.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Salman Agha, OUT! GONE! Shadley at it again as he lands a double blow on Pakistan. This is again a cutter dug short into the pitch, on middle and leg with a good bit of bounce. Salman looks to pull, but mistimes it badly through the air, towards deep backward square leg. Shayan Jahangir moves a bit to his right and takes a straightforward catch in the deep. Salman Agha goes without any impact. Just 1 off 3 for him. From 54/0, Pakistan are 56/2.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Salman Agha, On a back of a length, on off, Salman Agha hops on the toes and blocks it to the off side.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sahibzada Farhan, Slower length ball, Farhan dinks it to mid-wicket where a slight fumble allows the batters to cross over.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Sahibzada Farhan, On a nagging length, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan watches it closely and bunts it down the pitch.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Salman Agha, Short and on the body, Salman pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Pakistani openers have laid a solid base for the middle order to consolidate. Sahibzada Farhan has once again found a nice rhythm, carrying forward his impressive run of form in this format and will be eyeing a substantial score. USA, having found an opening, will look to tighten the screws with a few quiet overs. They have already gone pace off as the pitch looks pretty good to bat on. Salman Agha makes his way out at number three.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, OUT! CAUGHT! The man who picked up a four-for against India, has broken the opening partnership of Pakistan. He goes pace off and into the pitch, keeping the line of attack outside the off pole, Saim Ayub is beaten by the lack of pace and goes to slap it over extra cover. Only manages to get a thick outside edge and the ball lobs straight towards Saurabh Netravalkar stationed at short third. Saim Ayub departs for 19 (17) and Pakistan are 54/1.

Milind Kumar to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Runs are flowing here for Pakistan! Flatter, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan stays in his crease and powers it over long off for a biggie. They are off to a flier. 16 from the over, 50 up for Pakistan as well.

Milind Kumar to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Not where he intended but gets the result! A juicy full toss, down leg, Sahibzada Farhan tries to pull it but gets a bottom edge. The ball races away through fine leg for a boundary.

Milind Kumar to Sahibzada Farhan, Quicker, on off, Sahibzada Farhan slaps it to the fielder at cover.

Milind Kumar to Sahibzada Farhan, Flatter, on off, Sahibzada Farhan taps it to the left of the bowler.

Milind Kumar to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! Outrageous shot! Short ball, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan stays in his crease and powers it magnificently over long off for a biggie.

Milind Kumar to Sahibzada Farhan, Nice and full, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan flicks it to the fielder at square leg.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, Hard length, on off, Saim Ayub punches it to the fielder at cover.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, Swing and a miss! Short and wide, Saim Ayub swings hard but misses.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, In the air... safe! Back of a length, outside off, slower too. Saim Ayub jumps out of the crease and looks to flat bat. Tries to hit it straightish, but the line is a bit too close to the body to execute that shot. Also, the ball gets big on him and he ends up getting a top edge. The ball flies over cover. Monank Patel is a bit slow off the blocks as he turns back and runs. He makes a dive by stretching his right hand out to take the catch but fails to get his hand on it. The ball drops in his vicinity and the batters collect two runs. In situations where you have to turn and go for the catch, the call has to be instant, and on this occasion, Monank was a fraction late.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, Hard length, on off, Saim Ayub taps it to the cover fielder.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, Play and a miss! Length, outside off, Saim Ayub swings hard but misses.

Shadley van Schalkwyk to Saim Ayub, FOUR! Off the edge and it races away to the fence! On a length, on off, Saim Ayub moves forward and looks to loft it. Gets a thick outside edge as the ball squirts finer through short third for a boundary.

Shadley van Schalkwyk is brought into the attack now. He replaces Ehsan Adil.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Sahibzada Farhan, SIX! That's a massive hit! On a length, on middle, Sahibzada Farhan moves a bit to his left, clears his front leg, and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a massive six.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Sahibzada Farhan, Nice and full, on off, Sahibzada Farhan flicks it to the mid on fielder.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, A touch fuller, on off, Saim Ayub flicks it to wide of mid on for a single.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, Hits the deck hard, on off, Saim Ayub blocks it to the mid on fielder.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, SIX! What a pick-up shot that was! On a length, on middle, Saim Ayub gets a bit across, lifts his front leg up to balance himself and maintain his shape, and nails the pull shot over deep backward square leg as the ball sails into the grass banks.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, On a length, on off, Saim Ayub blocks it back to the bowler.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Sahibzada Farhan is in some mood! That goes through the gap. Length, just outside off, Sahibzada Farhan gets on his toes and crunches it through extra cover for a boundary.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, Finds the fielder this time. Length, on off, Sahibzada Farhan punches it to the point fielder.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR MORE! Back-to-back boundaries from Sahibzada Farhan! That was a bit uppish, though. Back of a length, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan opens the face of the bat and steers it over backward point for yet another boundary.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, FOUR! Sahibzada Farhan gets off the mark with a boundary! On a length, on middle and leg, Sahibzada Farhan stays in his crease and heaves it magnificently over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, Hits the deck hard, outside off, Sahibzada Farhan punches it to the point fielder.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, Wide! Sprays it down the leg side, Sahibzada Farhan tries to flick it but misses. Wided.

Ehsan Adil to Sahibzada Farhan, A touch fuller, on middle and leg, Sahibzada Farhan flicks it to the fielder at mid-wicket.

Ehsan Adil to operate from the opposite end.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, Good start from Saurabh Netravalkar despite the six. Length, on off, Saim Ayub pushes it to the fielder at cover. Just six runs off the over.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, Good length, shaping in, on off. Saim Ayub hops a bit and blocks it to the point fielder.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, That's tight, but nothing from the umpire. Length, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub gets down on one knee and looks to whip it aerially, but misses and wears it on his pads. An appeal goes around for LBW, but is turned down. USA are confident and they send it upstairs to have a check. UltraEdge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows that it was clipping the leg pole on umpire's call. The on-field call stands and it's NOT OUT!

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, SIX! LAUNCHED! On a length, on middle and leg, Saim Ayub takes a step forward and clatters it over long on for a biggie. Saim Ayub and Pakistan are underway.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, On a length, on off, Saim Ayub drives it but finds the fielder at extra cover.

Saurabh Netravalkar to Saim Ayub, Starts with a dot! Short of a length, outside off, Saim Ayub shimmies down the ground and looks to loft it but misses. Intent straightaway by Ayub.

Right. The anthems are sung. It is now time to get down to real business in Colombo. Monank Patel leads his men out to the middle as the USA players spread across the park and take their spots on the field. Sahibzada Farhan ​​​and Saim Ayub are the two Pakistani openers. Ayub is marking his guard and will take the strike. Saurabh Netravalkar has the new ball and is raring to go. Had a very rough stint with the ball against India and will look to make amends right away. A slip in place. It is time to play...

The giant flags of both countries are unfurled in the middle as it is time for the national anthems. Both sets of players walk out along with the match officials and get lined up. It will be USA's first, followed by that of Pakistan's.

PITCH REPORT - Ramiz Raja calls it heavenly and cricket-perfect weather in Colombo. About the dimensions, he points out that the straight boundary is a very long one, measuring 80 meters, with the square boundaries being almost equidistant with 68 meters and 69 meters. Russel Arnod joins him and straightaway mentions that this is the third game at this venue and a fresh pitch is being used for this match. He also mentions that the extra bounce at this venue has caught everyone by surprise, pointing out that this surface has produced the highest bounce seen in the competition so far. However, he expects conditions to return closer to the usual SSC nature, suggesting teams need not read too much into what happened in the previous game, where batters were undone by shorter deliveries and extra bounce. Adds that several batters committed too early, taking the ball on the front foot, assuming a waist-high bounce, and overplayed as a result. Takes a closer look at the pitch and mentions that there is a good amount of grass on the surface, around three millimetres, and the pitch has been well rolled, making it look far better. Overall, he feels, it should be good for batting, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat and more runs on offer. Stresses that batting first or second is not a major factor, with execution being key. Expects the first innings score to be around 175 and that it would be a competitive one.

The captain of Pakistan - Salman Agha confirms one change to the XI, with Usman Tariq coming into the side in place of Salman Mirza, who misses out. He terms it a tactical call, adding that the team wanted to give Usman an opportunity, backing him as a match-winner. Agha also admits that there were areas that need serious improvement, revealing that the team addressed those aspects during a lengthy discussion in the team meeting.

The captain of the USA - Monank Patel says that they will bowl first as it looks like a good track and details that there is a good breeze blowing across as well. Adds once they know the target, they can chase it down. Mentions two changes in their side. Adds that they got a lot of positives from the last game and they need to do good with both bat and the ball. Adds that they have played against Pakistan before and they are full of confidence in this game.

USA (Playing XI) - Andries Gous (WK), Shayan Jahangir (In for Saiteja Mukkamalla), Monank Patel (C), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Ehsan Adil (In for Ali Khan).

Pakistan (Playing XI) - Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (C), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (WK), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq (In for Salman Mirza), and Abrar Ahmed.

TOSS - Alright. It is coming to toss time in Colombo. Monank Patel and Salman Agha have made their way to the middle for the coin flip. The team sheets have been exchanged. Pommie Mbangwa leads the proceedings. Salman flips the coin. Heads is the call from Monank. It lands as Heads. USA ELECT TO BOWL FIRST.

Back in Colombo - We are just a few minutes away from the coin flip. Live visuals show that a few of the Pakistani batters are going through their knocking drills, and one of them is Babar Azam. Pakistan would hope that he produces his best this time around, after an underwhelming return against Netherlands.

A T20 World Cup record in Chennai - Ohhh, which record, aye? New Zealand turned the United Arab Emirates into spectators in Match 11, cruising to a jaw-dropping 10-wicket win while chasing 174 like it was a net session. The chase not only stunned the fans, but it also updated the record books, as the Kiwis went past England’s 169 against India in the 2022 semifinal to register the highest ever chase in T20 World Cup history with all wickets intact.

UPDATE - The USA have been forced to make a change in their squad as their pace bowler Jasdeep Singh has been ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. The 32-year-old Ehsan Adil is named as Jasdeep's replacement, after getting the approval from the tournament's Event Technical Committee. Doesn't ring a bell? For those who don't remember Ehsan Adil, he once wore Pakistan colours, featuring in three Tests and six ODIs. Now comes the twist as he prepares to take on his country of origin, this time from the other side of the fence, wearing different colors.

Pakistan's narrow escape - Pakistan enters this match after surviving a very close call against the Netherlands. While their bowlers did well to dismiss the Dutch for 147, their batting lineup struggled to chase the target, putting the middle order's approach once again under the scanner. It took a heroic effort from Faheem Ashraf, who saved the Men in Green from a huge embarrassment, to drag Pakistan across the finish line. They survived that scare, but they will need a much stronger performance today to avoid another upset. Stay tuned for toss and team updates.

USA's fighting spirit - The American side comes into this game with their heads held high after giving co-hosts India a massive scare. Their bowlers were fantastic, with Shadley van Schalkwyk taking four wickets to push India massively on the back foot. Although they eventually fell short by 29 runs, brave batting from Milind Kumar and an injured Shubham Ranjane showed they can compete with the best. However, the team will be sweating on the fitness of key players Ali Khan and Ranjane after they picked up injuries in the opener.

Party time, folks - Welcome to the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo for Match 12 of the T20 World Cup, 2026! Pakistan faces the USA in a mouth-watering Group A game, charged with history and emotion. Cricket fans will remember the shock from the last World Cup, where the USA stunned Pakistan with a thrilling Super Over victory that knocked the Men in Green out of the tournament. Today, Pakistan returns seeking revenge, while the USA looks to prove that their previous win was no fluke.

... MATCH DAY ...

The grind continues - The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2026 wheels on and keeps hopping cities. Already, we’ve seen some absolute bangers, and the hits keep coming. Match 12 is up next, and it’s a spicy one. Pakistan versus USA at Colombo’s Sinhalese Cricket Stadium. Group A is about to get real interesting. No more underdogs - Well and truly. The dare to dream and fight, they say. The gap between cricket’s giants and the so-called minnows? It’s shrinking fast. Netherlands, Scotland, USA, Nepal… these associate nations aren’t just showing up anymore, they’re showing OUT. Over the past couple of days, they’ve been dragging the big boys into deep water and making them sweat. Sure, the results haven’t always gone their way, but the fight? The improvement? It’s undeniable and absolutely electric to watch. Remember June 6th, 2024? If you don’t, Pakistan definitely does. That was the day USA walked into Dallas and absolutely stunned the cricket world. T20 World Cup. Pakistan batted first, managed 159. USA matched it exactly, forcing a Super Over. USA made 18. Pakistan? Just 13. USA won. Drop the mic. That was the moment USA put the entire cricket world on notice. Living the dream - That Dallas upset lit a fire that’s still burning. In their tournament opener against India, USA pushed the giants to the absolute brink with some seriously disciplined bowling. Shadley van Schalkwyk was the star with four wickets, while the rest of the attack backed him up beautifully. Saurabh Netravalkar will want to forget his rough day though. His 65 runs conceded was the most expensive spell in T20 World Cup history. Ouch. But hey, even legends have off days. Time to cash In - USA’s batting has the ingredients, they just need to bake the cake. The top order hasn’t quite fired yet, and in tournaments like these, inconsistency will absolutely wreck you. The middle order trio of Milind, Shubham, and Sanjay have looked solid, but they need to finish what they start. No more leaving it halfway and hoping for the best. Pakistan’s heart attack cricket - Pakistan and drama… name a more iconic duo. They’ve somehow made a career out of making things harder than they need to be, especially when the lights are brightest. Sure, they usually pull through, but man, do they love living on the edge. Against Netherlands, the chase nearly went sideways before Faheem Ashraf smashed his way to glory with an absolute ripper of a cameo. Sahibzada Farhan’s carried his 2025 form into this tournament nicely, and the top order looked decent in game one. Stuck in the second gear - Pakistan’s got a problem, and it’s been haunting them forever. The middle order just can’t keep up with the pace of modern T20 cricket. Babar Azam’s sliding down to number four, which is uncharted waters for him. The numbers don’t lie though. His T20 World Cup strike rate of 110.37? That’s just too slow for today’s game. If Pakistan wants to avoid more nail-biters, they need their middle order to step on the gas and start scoring faster. Team form (Last 5 T20Is, recent result first) Pakistan - WWWWL | USA - LLLWW. What to expect? The conditions in Colombo are characteristically slowish in nature, so spin is expected to play a huge role once again. In the previous game played here, out of 17, 9 wickets were picked up by the tweakers. An unpredictable Pakistan will look to exorcise ghosts of the past when they meet a determined USA, 20 months after being handed an infamous defeat by the same opponent in completely different conditions. Should be a cracker.