Pakistan showcased an impressive performance in spin bowling, achieving a convincing 32-run victory over the USA in Colombo on Tuesday. This win marks their second consecutive triumph in the tournament and serves as a significant redemption following a previous setback against the USA during the 2024 T20 World Cup. In that earlier encounter, Pakistan suffered a shocking defeat, which severely hampered their chances of progressing to the Super 8s. However, the team reversed their fortunes decisively in this match, establishing a robust foundation for victory.
Strong Bowling Performance
The match featured a remarkable display of spin bowling, primarily from Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan, and Abrar Ahmad, who effectively dismantled the American batting lineup. Only Shaheen Afridi operated with the new ball, but even he found limited success, managing just one wicket in the final over. The rest of the bowling innings comprised 16 overs exclusively bowled by spin bowlers, highlighting their adaptability to the conditions in Colombo.
Pakistan’s Explosive Batting Start
Pakistan’s innings set the stage for their victory, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub delivering a rapid start during the powerplay. Farhan emerged as the primary aggressor, while Ayub appeared to be settling in before being dismissed by Shadley van Schalkwyk’s cleverly disguised slower delivery. The South African pacer displayed his skill by taking two additional wickets in the latter stages of the powerplay, including that of Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.
Farhan’s exceptional innings propelled Pakistan forward, maintaining a strike rate exceeding eight runs per over. Despite initial struggles from the middle order, his aggressive batting kept the scoreboard ticking. Babar Azam’s entrance drew attention due to his recent performance issues, but he began cautiously before finding his rhythm, hitting a six and three boundaries against Harmeet Singh. Azam’s innings concluded just shy of fifty, as he was removed by Mohammad Mohsin, while Harmeet Singh also dismissed the pivotal Farhan, leading to some middle-order turbulence for Pakistan.
Shadab Khan played a crucial role in the latter part of the innings, demonstrating effective countermeasures against the USA’s slower deliveries and adding vital runs during the death overs.
Spin Stranglehold
While Pakistan’s batting established a formidable total, their bowling execution was truly punishing. The USA’s batting lineup struggled to respond to the steady barrage of spin bowling. Usman Tariq’s entry into the bowling attack proved to be a turning point despite his initial overs yielding no wickets. Once he returned in the later stages, he quickly captured two wickets in one over and finished with an impactful performance that tilted the contest firmly in Pakistan’s favor.
Shadab Khan skillfully maintained pressure on USA captain Monank Patel, claiming the significant wicket of Shayan Jahangir, who had posed a threat earlier in the innings. While Shubham Ranjane exhibited some resistance, overall, the USA struggled to contend with Pakistan’s relentless spin attack.
Van Schalkwyk Shines Again
Shadley van Schalkwyk continued to build on his tournament achievements with a standout performance, securing four wickets. His effective slower deliveries made a considerable impact on the match, challenging Pakistani batters effectively.
This win enhances Pakistan’s momentum as they move forward in the tournament. In contrast, the USA’s chances of advancing to the Super 8s have seriously diminished following back-to-back losses. The match highlighted the critical importance of managing quality spin bowling, an area where the USA faced significant challenges in Colombo.
