Farhan Explodes as Pakistan Crush USA in T20 World Cup: Pakistan continued their strong start to the Twenty20 World Cup with a commanding 32-run victory over the United States on Tuesday, powered by a fluent half-century from Sahibzada Farhan and a disciplined spin attack in Colombo.
After being asked to bat first, Pakistan posted a competitive 190 for nine, with Farhan leading the charge through an aggressive 73 off 41 deliveries. The opener set the tone early, punishing anything loose and guiding Pakistan to a brisk start inside the powerplay alongside Saim Ayub.
The early momentum was briefly checked when Shadley van Schalkwyk removed Ayub and Salman in quick succession, slowing Pakistan’s scoring rate in the middle overs. Farhan and Babar Azam responded with a measured partnership, stabilising the innings before Babar shifted gears with a boundary-filled over to push Pakistan forward. The former captain looked set for a bigger score but fell for 46, caught on the rope.
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Farhan carried on confidently, mixing timing with power to bring up his half-century and earn the Player of the Match award. His innings, featuring six fours and five sixes, ended in the 16th over, but Pakistan maintained their momentum thanks to a late cameo from Shadab Khan. The all-rounder struck 30 off just 12 balls, including a flurry of boundaries, ensuring Pakistan crossed the 190 mark despite van Schalkwyk’s impressive four-wicket haul.
Defending the total, Pakistan’s bowlers struck early, with spinners introduced inside the powerplay to choke the U.S. batting. While Shayan Jahangir showed early intent, Pakistan tightened their grip as Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan removed key batters, slowing the chase significantly through the middle overs.
Shubham Ranjane fought back with a spirited fifty, briefly raising hopes with some clean hitting, but regular wickets kept the required rate out of reach. Usman Tariq delivered the decisive blow late in the innings, picking up three wickets and conceding little, effectively sealing the contest.
The United States finished on 158 for eight, falling short despite moments of resistance. The win marked Pakistan’s second consecutive victory in Group A, setting up a highly anticipated clash against defending champions India on Sunday. The U.S., meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they face Namibia.
