2026 T20 World Cup: Pakistan Spinners Strangle USA to Avenge Dallas Disaster

by Geoffrey Ejiga | by Geoffrey Ejiga

image 2026 T20 World Cup: Pakistan Spinners Strangle USA to Avenge Dallas Disaster
The ghosts of Dallas have finally been laid to rest. In a high-stakes Group A clash on Tuesday, Pakistan exacted a clinical 32-run revenge over the United States, erasing the bitter memory of their 2024 Super Over humiliation. While the Americans arrived in Colombo dreaming of another giant-killing performance, they were met by a ruthless Pakistan spin attack that turned the Sinhalese Sports Club into a graveyard for the USA chase. The victory catapults the Men in Green to the top of Group A with a perfect record, while the USA now faces a must-win situation after back-to-back defeats.

Farhan’s Fireworks Propel Pakistan to 190

After being put in to bat, Pakistan wasted no time setting a daunting tone. The star of the show was Sahibzada Farhan, who played an absolute blinder. His 73 off 41 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring five towering sixes that left the USA bowlers searching for answers.

Farhan found a steady partner in Babar Azam, who contributed a vital 46 off 32. Their 81-run stand for the third wicket laid a foundation that looked destined for a 200+ total. However, the USA showed serious grit in the death overs.

Shadley van Schalkwyk (4/25) turned the tide late, sparking a chaotic collapse that saw Pakistan lose five wickets in the final 10 balls. Despite the late wobble and a final total of 190/9, Shadab Khan’s 12-ball 30 proved to be the insurance policy Pakistan desperately needed.

The Mystery of Usman Tariq: Spinners Shut Down the Chase

The USA chase started with a flicker of hope as Shayan Jahangir (49) and Andries Gous put on 42, but the introduction of spin effectively ended the contest. Pakistan’s X-factor debutant Usman Tariq left the American middle order dazed. With a unique, pausing delivery action that was reported in the PSL but cleared for this tournament, Tariq ripped through the lineup with 3/27, at one point sitting on a hat-trick after cleaning up Mohammad Mohsin for a duck.

Shubham Ranjane kept the fight alive with a defiant 51, but he was a lone warrior against a spin quartet that refused to breathe. Between Tariq, Shadab, Nawaz, and Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s slow bowlers bagged seven wickets, squeezing the life out of the American run rate. 

When Shaheen Afridi trapped Ranjane LBW in the final over, the 32-run margin felt like a statement of intent. Pakistan now marches toward a blockbuster showdown with India on February 15, while the USA must regroup before its campaign slips away entirely.

Group A Standings: Pakistan Takes Control Ahead of India Blockbuster

With this victory, Pakistan has officially taken the throne at the top of Group A. After back-to-back wins against the Netherlands and the USA, the Men in Green sit comfortably with four points and a healthy Net Run Rate (+0.932).

This perfect start provides a much-needed buffer before they head into the biggest game of the group stage: a high-voltage clash against India on February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. For Babar Azam’s men, a win on Sunday would serve as more than just bragging rights. Pakistan could virtually guarantee their spot in the Super Eights.

Group A Points Table (as of Feb 10)

RankTeamPlayedWonPointsNRR
1Pakistan224+0.932
2India 112+1.450
3Netherlands211+0.356
4Namibia 100-1.033
5USA 200-1.525

For the United States, the road has become a steep mountain. Despite pushing India to the brink in their opener and showing flashes of brilliance in Colombo, Monank Patel’s side remains winless.

Their tournament now hinges on their next fixture against the Netherlands in Chennai on February 13. To stay alive in the race for the Super Eights, the USA must win their remaining two games and hope for other results to go its way. The dream of 2024 isn't dead yet, but there is zero margin for error left in the American camp.