T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs United States of America, Match 12 – Full highlights, top moments and everything you need to know

Pakistan registered a commanding 32-run victory over the United States of America in Match 12 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, delivering a strong all-round performance in Colombo. Asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 190/9, built on a solid top-order foundation and explosive late hitting. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, their ability to maintain momentum throughout the innings proved decisive. The total ultimately put sustained pressure on the USA batting unit, which fell short despite a few spirited individual performances.

Sahibzada Farhan was the standout with the bat, anchoring Pakistan’s innings with a superb 73 off 41 deliveries, laced with six fours and five sixes. He found good support from Babar Azam, who played a composed knock of 46 from 32 balls to steady the middle overs. Shadab Khan provided the late surge, smashing 30 off just 12 balls at a blistering strike rate. For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed with the ball, picking up four wickets and briefly denting Pakistan’s momentum.

Chasing 191, the USA began with intent but struggled to build sustained partnerships against disciplined bowling. Shayan Jahangir’s fluent 49 and Shubham Ranjane’s aggressive 51 kept hopes alive, especially during a strong middle-overs phase. However, regular wickets and mounting required run rates stalled their chase. Pakistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, ensuring the opposition never fully threatened the target, eventually restricting the USA to 158/8 at the end of 20 overs.

See Also: Watch: Babar Azam dismissed in PAK vs USA in Group A ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Match 12

Pakistan’s bowlers seal a clinical win

Pakistan’s bowling attack delivered a composed and methodical performance, striking at key moments to derail the USA chase. Shadab Khan led from the front with two crucial wickets, including that of skipper Monank Patel, applying pressure through tight lines. Usman Tariq emerged as a surprise package, claiming three wickets and breaking dangerous partnerships. Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz complemented well, keeping the scoring in check and forcing risky shots as the asking rate climbed steadily.

Shaheen Afridi provided early breakthroughs and hostility, even if he proved slightly expensive, while Pakistan’s fielding effort added to the USA’s woes with sharp catches and energetic ground work. The collective discipline shown by Pakistan underlined their intent to assert dominance in the group stage. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also strengthens their position in Group A, sending a clear message to upcoming opponents in the tournament.

T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan vs United States of America: Top Performers

Sahibzada Farhan was the standout batter of the match, scoring a commanding 73 that laid the foundation for Pakistan’s imposing total. Babar Azam’s 46 added much-needed stability, while Shadab Khan contributed significantly with both bat and ball. For the USA, Shubham Ranjane’s aggressive 51 and Shayan Jahangir’s fluent 49 were the brightest sparks. Among bowlers, Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed with figures of 4 for 25, while Usman Tariq’s 3 for 27 proved decisive.

Also Read: List of players with lowest strike rate in T20 World Cups ft. Babar Azam

T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan vs United States of America: Key Moments

Farhan’s dismissal in the 16th over marked a turning point, but Shadab Khan’s late assault ensured Pakistan crossed 190. During the chase, Shadab Khan removing Monank Patel and Shayan Jahangir in quick succession stalled USA’s momentum. Usman Tariq’s double strike in the 19th over effectively ended any lingering hopes of a comeback. Pakistan’s ability to strike at critical junctures ultimately separated the two sides and dictated the outcome of the contest.