Colombo, Feb 10 (NationPress) Opening batsman Sahibzada Farhan delivered a stunning performance, scoring 73 runs at the top of the order, complemented by a disciplined bowling display, leading Pakistan to a definitive 32-run victory over the USA in their Group A encounter during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Tuesday.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan set a challenging total of 190/9, significantly aided by Farhan's explosive batting and a vital third-wicket partnership with captain Babar Azam. The target proved too steep for the USA, who managed to reach 158/8, despite commendable efforts from Shayan Jahangir and Shubham Ranjane.

Pakistan's innings started strongly, with openers Saim Ayub and Farhan constructing a partnership of 54 runs for the first wicket, establishing early momentum. Ayub scored a brisk 19 before Farhan took charge, exhibiting a variety of confident strokes, clearing both the infield and the boundaries. His 73 runs came off just 41 balls, featuring six fours and five sixes, setting a solid foundation for a high-scoring inning.

After a slight hiccup where Salman Agha fell cheaply, Farhan found a reliable partner in Babar. Together, they constructed an 81-run partnership that stabilized Pakistan's innings and maintained a healthy run rate through the middle overs. Babar's contribution of 46 runs from 32 balls was both measured and effective, as he rotated the strike efficiently and capitalized on loose deliveries.

The innings lost steam towards the end as wickets fell quickly. Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf struggled to score, while run-outs claimed Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed. However, Shadab Khan’s late surge, scoring 30 runs off 12 balls, provided a much-needed boost to approach the 200 mark.

For the USA, Shadley van Schalkwyk was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 25 runs and consistently breaking partnerships. Mohammad Mohsin, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Harmeet Singh each secured one wicket, but the damage done during the powerplay and middle overs was significant.

In their chase for 191, the USA began with intent but struggled to maintain momentum against Pakistan’s diverse bowling attack. Andries Gous was dismissed early, and captain Monank Patel failed to make a significant impact. Shayan Jahangir led the resistance with a solid 49 runs from 34 balls, partnering well with Milind Kumar, who scored 29, briefly raising hopes for a successful chase.

The turning point occurred as Pakistan tightened their grip during the middle overs. Shadab Khan took two wickets, and Usman Tariq claimed three, stalling the USA's innings. Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz contributed timely breakthroughs. Although Shubham Ranjane counter-attacked with a brisk 51 runs from 30 balls, the required run rate escalated.

Ultimately, the USA concluded their innings at 158/8, falling short by 32 runs as Pakistan’s bowlers executed their plans with precision to secure a thorough victory.

This match allowed Pakistan to avenge their previous defeat against the USA in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the USA had caused one of the tournament's most significant upsets by defeating the Men in Green.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 190/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 73, Babar Azam 46, Shadab Khan 30; Shadley van Schalkwyk 4-25) beat USA 158/8 in 20 overs (Shubham Ranjane 51, Shayan Jahangir 49; Usman Tariq 3-27, Shadab Khan 2-26) by 32 runs