Pakistan vs USA , Full Score Card

A yorker, on middle, Ehsan Adil digs it back to the bowler. Pakistan beat USA by 32 runs!

Another low full toss in an attempt at a yorker, Shadley van Schalkwyk taps it to mid off. Babar Azam runs to his left and makes a good stop. Keeps it to a single.

A full toss, on off, Ehsan Adil knocks it to mid off for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit would have been interesting.

Ehsan Adil is in at number 10.

OUT! LBW! Shaheen gets his first wicket after a bit of an off day. Afridi fires one in on a fuller length, right in front of the sticks. Shubham Ranjane stays put and tries to work it across the line, but ends up playing all over the line. The ball beats the inside edge and strikes on the back pad. Given LBW on the appeal, but Shubham has reviewed it straightaway. UltraEdge comes up with a flat line and the Ball Tracking confirms the ball is projected to crash into the off and middle stumps. Shubham takes the review with him as his fine 51 off 30 balls comes to an end.

On a length, on off, Shubham Ranjane punches it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Fifty up for Shubham Ranjane! A well-made 37 against India, in a losing cause, and now, he betters his tally in this World Cup, but again, when the game has long slipped away. But something positive for the USA in heaps of problems with the inconsistency in their batting unit. A low full toss, outside off, Shubham Ranjane picks it well and slashes it over a leaping cover fielder for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to close out the game. 3-0-36-0 so far are his bowling figures.

Flatter, outside off, with a pause. Shadley van Schalkwyk swings hard but misses. Usman Tariq misses out on his hat-trick.

Shadley van Schalkwyk is in next.

OUT! TIMBER! Usman Tariq is on a hat-trick now. Tariq holds his nerve and waits for Mohsin to show his cards early. Mohsin shuffles too far across the stumps, and Tariq fires it in full on the leg stump. Mohsin swings across the line and misses, and the ball crashes into the leg stump.

Mohammad Mohsin is the new batter in at 8.

OUT! TAKEN! At 99 kph, it is a full toss, around fifth stump. Harmeet steps out, turns it into a low full toss and looks to muscle it straight down the ground, but cannot get it under it properly and mistimes it in the air. The ball dips in front of the long off fielder as Mohammad Nawaz charges in off the ropes. He slides across and takes a fine catch, maintaining possession of the ball.

Good fielding. Full, on leg, Shubham Ranjane sweeps it to fine leg. Abrar Ahmed dives to his left and stops a possible boundary. Keeps it to a single.

Flatter, outside off, with the pause. Harmeet Singh chips it over mid on for just a single.

Nice and full, on off, Shubham Ranjane knocks it down the ground for a single. 150 comes up for USA.

Penultimate over coming up. USA need 42 from 12 balls. Usman Tariq (3-0-24-1) to bowl the 19th.

FOUR! Streaky! A very ordinary over from Shaheen Afridi. Short, outside off, Harmeet Singh swings hard but gets a top edge. The ball flies over short third for a boundary. 19 runs coming from the Shaheen Afridi over. His figures read 3-0-36-0 so far.

Goes back of a length, on middle, Shubham Ranjane swivels and pulls it through square leg for a run.

Much fuller, on off, Harmeet Singh drills it to mid off, where the fielder misfields and allows a run.

A touch fuller, just outside off, Shubham Ranjane eases it to cover for a single.

SIX MORE! Two balls, two sixes for Shubham Ranjane now! On a fuller length, on off, Shubham Ranjane gets down on one knee and slogs it over deep mid-wicket for yet another six.

SIX! That's a clean hit from Shubham Ranjane! On a length, outside off, Shubham Ranjane stands tall and pumps it down the ground and over long on for a biggie.

Length ball around off. Ranjane leans on and drops it with soft hands in front of cover for a quick single.

FOUR! Nice shot! Serves it full and drifts around the pads, Shubham Ranjane gets low on his knee and sweeps it using his wrists to deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Length ball angling into the pads. Harmeet misses the sweep, the ball brushes the front pad and deflects towards square leg for a leg bye.

Wickets continue to fall for the USA as half their side is in the pavilion. Harmeet Singh makes his way in at number 7.

OUT! OUTFOXED! Flatter and fired in on the middle stump line, pitching and skidding through. Krishnamurthi rocks back to pull but is late on the shot, gets beaten all ends up on the inside edge as the ball crashes into the stumps. Sanjay Krishnamurthi falls for a silver duck and from 123/3, the USA have slid down to 124/5, needing 67 more.

Flipper, on a length angling into the pads. Krishnamurthi misses the clip, and the ball catches him high on the front pad. A slight appeal for LBW, but wanes down instantly as the umpire denies.

A touch short, on the stumps, swept behind square on the leg side for a single.

It is falling apart for the USA now. Sanjay Krishnamurthi is in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Milind Kumar holes out and Tariq has the last laugh. This is nicely tossed up, wide outside off, on a fullish length. Milind Kumar hastes himself on the slog sweep, and only manages a fat leading edge. The ball slices back towards short third where Shaheen Afridi takes a simple catch, moving a bit to his left. Milind Kumar departs on 29 off 22.

Short of a length outside off with width on offer. Milind rocks back and carves the cut to the left of deep point, picks up a brace.

SIX! Into the arc and out of the park! Usman errs in length, as he serves a friendly half volley, on middle, Milind Kumar, despite the dramatic pause from Tariq, waits on it, getting down on his knee and nails it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Bowls a leg break, short and outside off, Shubham Ranjane extends his arms and slaps it wide of point for a single.

Offers more flight, full and outside off, Milind Kumar goes for the slog sweep, but is too early and inside edges. The ball squirts past the leg stump to the short fine leg fielder. They cross.

The carrom ball now, short and outside off, Shubham Ranjane slaps it off the back foot to long off for a run.

WIDE! Pushed miles outside off, on a length, Shubham leaves.

FOUR! Innovative and effective! Floated up, full and outside off, Milind Kumar goes for the reverse sweep. The ball pops up and turns sharply off the deck, taking the top edge and flying over short third for a boundary.

Gets across on this length ball, on middle and nurdles it to deep square leg for a run.

Goes for the sweep on the full ball, but inside edges it to short fine leg's right for a single.

FOUR! That's a beautiful shot! A bit quicker by Abrar, short and outside off. Milind Kumar uses the depth of the crease and width on offer, and threads the narrow gap between backward point and short third for a boundary.

Not too full and not too short, on middle, Shubham Ranjane shanks it down to long on for a single.

Short and flat, on middle, Milind crouches and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 100 up for the USA!

DRINKS BREAK. Since the Powerplay, the USA have added 49 runs, but have lost 2 big wickets as well. The Pakistani spinners have successfully managed to choke down the scoring in the middle phase and going spin-heavy has proved a worthy ploy for them so far. With 92 needed from 36 balls, someone will have to play the rescuer from here for the USA. The task is big, sure, but it is not at all impossible. Abrar Ahmed is back on.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Milind Kumar slogs it on the bounce towards deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Short, on middle, Shubham Ranjane tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

FOUR! Well played by Shubham Ranjane! Usman Tariq goes full, on middle and leg, Shubham Ranjane picks it well and sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary.

Appeal but turned down. Flatter, sliding down leg, Shubham Ranjane looks to slog it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Nice and full, on leg, Shubham Ranjane sweeps it but finds the fielder at short fine leg.

Too full, on middle, Milind Kumar digs it through wide of mid on for a single.

Change? Nope. Usman Tariq to continue. 1-0-5-0 so far.

Very full, on middle, Milind Kumar gets low and sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Short, on middle, Shubham Ranjane tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! All the way! Flatter, just outside off, Shubham Ranjane gets down on one knee and clatters it down the ground for a biggie.

Much fuller, outside off, Milind Kumar drills it down the ground for a single.

Loud shout for LBW, but nothing from the umpire. Short, on off, Milind Kumar looks to reverse sweep it but wears it on his pads. Just when Pakistan were thinking about a review, the hooter echoes indicating for a No Ball as Shadab has overstepped. Such a shame. Free Hit to follow.

Too full, on off, Shubham Ranjane drills it through long on for a single.

Floated up and on the pads, this is deftly eased to the long on region for a couple of runs.

Some turn! Short, on middle, Milind Kumar tries to play at it but gets a hit on his rib cage. Tidy start from Usman Tariq.

Flatter, on off, Shubham Ranjane pushes it to cover for a single.

IN THE AIR... DROPPED! Khawaja Nafay, the sub fielder, is the guilty party. That should have been taken by all standards. Dragged short and on the stumps. Milind goes for the pull but mistimes it badly off the inner half of the blade. Nafay runs to his left from deep square leg, even gathers the ball in his hands, going two-handed, but puts it down eventually. The ball rolls away, and the batters get a single.

Wide! Sways it way outside off, Milind Kumar leaves it alone. Wided.

Short, just outside off, Milind Kumar tries to play at it but misses.

Tossed up, on middle, Shubham Ranjane sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Short, on middle, Shubham Ranjane blocks it back to the bowler.

Wide! Usman Tariq starts with a wide. Flatter, down leg, Shubham Ranjane leaves.

A good over for Pakistan. Short, on off, Shubham Ranjane punches it through wide mid off for a single.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Milind Kumar flicks it through square leg for a single.

A sharp leg break, around off, this is whipped to long on for a single.

A flat googly on a good length, turning back in towards middle. Shubham gets a neat glance in front of square leg and picks up a couple.

Wickets keep falling for USA after a good start. Shubham Ranjane is in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Shayan perishes now, under the constant pressure of acceleration. Shadab took all the pace off it, floating it up on a length at 82 kph, possibly the googly too. Shayan went hunting, trying to drag it from outside off towards mid-wicket, but only caught the inside half. Straight down the throat of the man at long off. A catching practice for Shaheen. 49 off 34 for Jahangir and USA are 69/3, needing 122 more.

Short and outside off, Milind Kumar cuts it to deep point for a single.

Halfway crossed. The USA are 68/2. Pakistan, at the same stage, were 85/2.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary! Flatter, just outside off, Shayan Jahangir gets down on one knee and drills it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Flatter, on middle, Milind Kumar slogs it towards mid-wicket for a single.

Keeps it short, just outside off, Shayan Jahangir stays back and punches it to mid off for a run.

Sways it down leg, Shayan Jahangir shuffles across and looks to slog it but wears it on his pads. The ball rolls towards the left of the keeper. Dot.

Short ball, on off, Milind Kumar makes room and punches it through mid off for another run.

Nice and full, on leg, Shayan Jahangir knocks it through the right of the bowler for a single.

Brilliant over from Shadab Khan. Quicker, on off, Milind Kumar lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

Shorter, on off, Shayan Jahangir pushes it through cover for a single.

Quicker, on middle, Milind Kumar looks to block it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. They collect a single.

Two wickets in quick time for Pakistan. Milind Kumar is in at number 4.

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! The pressure was building on Monank and Shadab gets the reward for his consistent bowling. On a length and aimed at the stumps. The batter drops to one knee for the slog sweep but only manages a top edge, the ball hangs in the air long enough for Shadab to settle underneath and take the catch. USA are 58/2, chasing 191.

Flatter, outside off, Shayan Jahangir chips it over extra cover. The fielder in the deep runs to his right and makes a good stop near the fence. Keeps it to a single.

Appeal but turned down! Fuller, outside off, Shayan Jahangir looks to reverse sweep it but misses. The keeper collects the ball and appeals but nothing from the umpire. Perhaps the noise was of the bat touching the ground.

Good little phase for Pakistan, this. They have conceded just 15 runs in the last 3 overs.

Tight over from Mohammad Nawaz. Flatter, just outside off, Monank Patel makes room and drives it to the cover fielder.

Pitched up on off. Monank Patel clips it to the left of the bowler. Shayan Jahangir sets off but is sent back from halfway and has to dive in as Nawaz charges across. Nawaz throws himself at the ball and attempts a flick back towards the bowler’s end, but cannot find the angle. The ball deflects off Shayan’s body and trickles away.

Slows it up, outside off, Shayan Jahangir punches it to point for a quick single.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Shayan Jahangir swings hard but misses.

Quicker, just outside off, Shayan Jahangir looks to drive it but gets a bottom edge as the ball rolls back to the bowler. Dot.

Slower one, on off, Shayan Jahangir pushes it through the diving point fielder for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Beaten! Turn and bounce, outside off, Monank Patel lunges and looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up. The keeper whips the bails off but Monank Patel's back leg never dragged out or got lifted from the crease.

In the air... safe! Full, outside off, Shayan Jahangir looks to loft it but gets a top edge. The ball carries on the bounce towards deep cover for just a single.

Fired in, on middle, fuller on length. Shayan Jahangir leans on and blocks it back to the bowler.

Short, on off, Monank Patel knocks it down to mid on for a single.

Slower, shorter, and outside off. Shayan Jahangir guides it to short third for a quick single. The fielder picks it and throws it flatly towards the keeper, who whips the bails off, but Monank Patel was well in. The replay confirms the same, that Monank just planted his bat in the nick of time before the stumps were broken by Usman.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Monank Patel drives it through wide of mid off for a run.

DRINKS BREAK. This has been a good start for the Americans in their pursuit of a big score. Yes, they have lost a big wicket of Gous in the process, but a solid base has been formed and it is time to bake the cake nicely. The pitch has no such demons as the ball is coming nicely on the bat. Pakistan have gone all spin, as they have opted for just one frontline pacer in Shaheen, with respect to the conditions. Faheem can bowl medium-pace and they might use him somewhere down the line. For now, Shadab Khan has been brought into the attack.

Carrom ball, full and outside off, Shayan Jahangir leaves it alone. 50/1 at the end of the Powerplay.

Slightly shorter, on off, Monank Patel knocks it to mid on for a quick single. Shaheen Afridi has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. 50 comes up for USA.

Flatter, turning down the leg side, Monank Patel tries to keep it away but misses and it goes off his pads.

Too full, on off, Monank Patel flicks it to the right of the bowler.

Full, on off, Shayan Jahangir flicks it to the right of the bowler and runs for a single. Abrar Ahmed picks the ball and tries a direct hit at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit and Shayan Jahangir was a goner.

SIX! What a shot! A carrom ball, on middle, a little fuller. Shayan Jahangir stays in his crease and powers it down the ground for a biggie.

Nice and full, on off, Monank smothers the spin back to the bowler.

Pakistan finally have their first wicket. Monank Patel, the skipper, walks in at number 3.

OUT! UP IN THE AIR, GONE! Nawaz puts a halt to this threatening opening partnership. Cunningly bowled by Nawaz as he drops the pace further and gives the ball more air time. Pitched full and around the off pole and it grips a bit as well. Andries Gous gets lured into the flight and attempts to launch it downtown, but swings his bat early and slices it off the toe end. Now, two fielders converge - Babar Azam from long off, who runs in off the ropes, and Salman Agha from cover, who moves to his right. Agha calls for the catch and Babar bails out. But still, Salman has him in his peripheral vision, but maintains his cool and eyes locked on the ball to take a fine running catch. The dangerous Andries Gous goes for a tame run-a-ball 13 and USA are 42/1, chasing 191.

FOUR! Handsomely played! Short by Nawaz, on the stumps. Gous uses the depth of the crease and launches it over Shaheen at mid on for a boundary.

Fired in and around leg, on a good length, Shayan Jahangir nudges it off the inside edge to square leg for a single.

FOUR! Not in total control, but gets it away. Spins and grips from a length, outside off, Shayan throws the kitchen sink at it, trying to smash over cover, but the ball turns and gets sliced over backward point for a boundary.

Right into the blockhole, on off, Andries Gous shovels it to the left of Shaheen, who dives from mid on and cuts it off. One taken. Afridi gets appreciated by his teammates for a fine effort.

Going all spin now, are Pakistan. Here's Mohammad Nawaz, replacing Shaheen Afridi.

Pitched fuller, around off, Gous pushes it wide of mid off and scampers through for a run. A tidy start from the leggie, as always!

Run out appeal! Fullish and floated outside off, Andries Gous throws his hands and eases it to backward point. Gous is keen for a single, but is sent back by Shayan as the ball is picked up by the fielder. Seeing Andries out of the crease, the fielder throws to Usman and he whips the bails off. But not before Gous makes it back home. Usman appeals for a run out, but nothing doing.

A googly, on middle, Andries Gous pushes it gently to the right of the bowler.

Pushed flat and on a length, on leg, Shayan Jahangir backs away and heaves it through square leg for a single.

Gets in front to defend, but does not read the googly on a fuller length, and inside edges onto the front pad.

IN THE AIR... LANDS SAFE! The shot was actually on with mid on in the ring. A full ball on the middle and leg stump, Shayan Jahangir clears the front leg and airs it over mid on. Shaheen Afridi runs back from the ring and Saim Ayub sprints to his left from deep mid-wicket, but the ball lands it between the two fielders as it plugs in the outfield. Two taken.

This has been a decent start for the USA. They are 28/0 after 3 overs. Pakistan were 32/0 at the same stage. Abrar Ahmed is introduced into the attack, replacing Saim.

Slammed into the pitch, on leg, Shayan Jahangir whips it aerially and on the bounce to the left of deep square leg for a run. Shaheen has leaked 17 runs from his 2 overs so far.

FOUR! That flew past the keeper! Shaheen is not happy with Usman's effort. Back of a length, on middle, Shayan Jahangir looks to whip that across, but gets a fat outside edge behind to the keeper's right. Usman Khan initially moves to his left and then dives to his right, but the ball evades his outstretched right hand and gallops to the fence behind.

Nagging length, around off, Shayan Jahangir heaves it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

On a good length, on leg, Shayan Jahangir heaves it to deep mid-wicket's right, where Faheem Ashraf fumbles on a straightforward ball and parries it away to his left, allowing the second run.

A half hearted appeal for LBW, but it is clearly pitching outside leg. On a length, outside leg, nipping into the batter. Shayan Jahangir gets in an awkward tangle for a block, and wears it on the pads as the ball beats the inside edge.

Swings back in a touch, on a fractionally fuller length, Andries Gous plays with a vertical bat and drills it down the ground for a single as mid off cuts it to his right.

FOUR! Gets all of it! Dropped short by Saim, on the leg stump, Shayan Jahangir picks the length early and pulls it over mid-wicket, bisecting long on and deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Landed on a fuller length, on leg, Shayan Jahangir fails to get under it to pump it over mid on and chips it on the bounce to the fielder in the ring.

SIX! That goes all the way for a six! Shorter, slower, and on middle. Shayan Jahangir goes deep in his crease and pulls it magnificently over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Short and outside off, Shayan Jahangir crunches it off the back foot, but Faheem Ashraf, at covers, dives to his left and cuts it off, preventing any run.

Fizzes through the deck, on a length, on middle, Shayan Jahangir goes deep in the crease and stabs it to point.

Nicely floated up, full and on off, Andries Gous taps it gently to the cover region for a single.

So 9 from the opening over. And Pakistan have opted for a spinner right away. Saim Ayub to operate from the opposite end.

FOUR! Up and over! A loose ball by Afridi, on leg, Shayan Jahangir hits it over and between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Nearly chops it on! Back of a length around off, shaping away from the right-hander. Gous plays from the crease with no footwork, looking to work it through the off side. He gets a bottom edge that deflects off the front boot and trickles in front of cover-point. They cross for a quick single.

Gous bunts this length ball back to the bowler.

FOUR! That is some way to get off the mark! A touch fuller, outside off, Andries Gous leans on and creams it in the gap through cover for a boundary.

On a length, on middle and leg, Andries Gous flicks it to mid-wicket.

What a start from Shaheen! Back of a length, on leg, Andries Gous is cramped for room as he looks to block it. Gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball clips his pads and lobs towards the keeper. An appeal for lbw but turned down. Height was an issue.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

A length ball and this is dabbed wide of cover for a single.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Pushed flat and on a length, on middle, Babar bunts it down the strip.

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

Dishes out a googly, on off, pushed back at the bowler.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Swing and a miss! Short and wide, Saim Ayub swings hard but misses.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.