T20 World Cup: Farhan, bowlers guide Pakistan to victory over USA

Pakistan geared up for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup showdown with India by securing a 32-run victory against the United States in their second group-stage fixture.

The USA pulled off a sensational win against Pakistan in a Super Over when the sides met in the 2024 edition, but there was no such drama this time around.

Sahibzada Farhan’s sparkling knock of 74 from 41 balls and Babar Azam’s 48 off 32 handed a target of 191 to the USA, who failed to keep pace during the chase as Pakistan made it two wins from two matches in the tournament.

It is a confidence‑boosting victory for Pakistan before Sunday’s high‑stakes match with arch‑rivals and defending champions India- a contest that was clouded by uncertainty until the country’s government reversed its order for a boycott.

Pakistan’s innings was shaped by Farhan’s ninth T20I half-century, while Babar also added some much-needed runs to his account amid his recent struggles with form.

Farhan eventually fell to Harmeet Singh in the 16th over but not before leaving Pakistan well placed at 143‑4 heading into the death overs.

Shadab Khan then added a quickfire 30 from 12 balls, but Pakistan lost five wickets in the final two overs to reach 190-9, with USA seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk finishing with figures of 4-25 for the second game running.

Opener Shayan Jahangir almost single-handedly guided the USA in the early stages of the chase but fell one short of a deserved half-century in the 11th over when they were already struggling to keep up with the asking rate.

Despite having wickets in hand, the USA managed just 29 runs in six overs after the Powerplay, meaning Shubham Ranjane’s 30-ball 51 proved too little and too late as mystery spinner Usman Tariq claimed three wickets.

The USA, who can take plenty of positives despite back-to-back defeats, will eye their first win of the tournament when facing the Netherlands on Friday. (BBC)