ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs USA (grudge match) | Match 12 | Group A | Colombo | February 10 | Pre-Match Discussion

[BouncerGuy]

After surviving a tense last-over finish against the Netherlands, Pakistan head into their second Group A clash against the United States on February 10 at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club.

Sahibzada Farhan’s fluent 47 (31) and Saim Ayub’s brisk 24 (13) gave Pakistan early momentum, while Faheem Ashraf’s explosive 29* (11) sealed the chase. However, concerns remain with Babar Azam’s scratchy 15 (18) and Usman Khan’s duck, as the middle order faltered under pressure.

On the bowling front, Salman Mirza (3/24), Mohammad Nawaz (2/38), and Abrar Ahmed (2/23) impressed, and Pakistan will look for a more balanced performance as they aim to build momentum in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

 

[RidiculousMan]

1. Saim
2. Farhan
3. Salman
4. Fakhar
5. Nafay (WK)
6. Shadab
7. Nawaz
8. Faheem
9. Shaheen
10. Abrar
11. Tariq

This should be the XI.

 

[Kianig89]

USA, it is let's Bury the shadows of Dallas !

 

[shah9425]

Drop Babar Usman Shadab
Bring Fakhar Nafay Usman

 

[Asif321]

Babar , Usman , Shaheen out
Fakhar , Nafay , Naseem/Tariq IN

 

[Omer2002]

Usa will be very tough i think if there opener never got suspended i wud have them as favourites

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan should win this comfortably.

 

[PakFan2010]

If Babar is in the team, I will be supporting USA.

 

[run-out]

Saim
Farhan wk
Salman
Fakhar
Shadab
Hassan Nawaz (not selected)
Mohammad Nawaz
Faheem
Shaheen/Mirza
Abrar
Tariq

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Our tormentor in chief from the last time is provisionally suspended after breaching the anti-corruption code so that's a bonus.

 

[Ball Blazer]

Pakistan should win this comfortably.

super over?

 

[stani_pak]

I would laugh if Pakistan goes with the same squad as today, and say, we dont want to change the winning combonation would not be suprised if it happens. Cleary 3 changes are needed to find the right combination

 

[Asif321]

This won’t be easy . Pakistan need to play Tariq

 

[Asif321]

I would laugh if Pakistan goes with the same squad as today, and say, we dont want to change the winning combonation would not be suprised if it happens. Cleary 3 changes are needed to find the right combination

I doubt they will drop Babar or Usman . Most likely Tariq plays in place of Shaheen

 

[sweep_shot]

super over?

It shouldn't go to Super Over.

Pakistan should win comfortably. Lighting doesn't strike twice generally.

 

[Ball Blazer]

It shouldn't go to Super Over.

Pakistan should win comfortably. Lighting doesn't strike twice generally.

Match vs NED should have been an easy one, either, but they kept spectators on the edge of their seats till end. But let's not expect much from undredictables.

 

[SM1989]

Look at what the USA has done to India. They will destroy Pakistan batting in this match.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Look at what the USA has done to India. They will destroy Pakistan batting in this match.

Indian batting is one trick pony. They needed Sky sensibility to take them out of ditch.

 

[gazza619]

I doubt they will drop Babar or Usman . Most likely Tariq plays in place of Shaheen

Usman, Babar & Shaheen out

Nafay, Fakhar & Tariq in

 

[jnaveen1980]

Indian batting is one trick pony. They needed Sky sensibility to take them out of ditch.

Even the elite Australian side in 2000 had occasional collapses. SOmeone pulled out. That is what champion teams do. It was not always a case of top order scoring all the time.

 

[Usman Chadda]

So, how are we beating this spirited USA side?

Looks to be a hard effort.

 

[emranabbas]

in the hands of Pakistani's now USA batmen have been playing for India their country of origin

 

[CricVet]

So, how are we beating this spirited USA side?

Looks to be a hard effort.

By not having Pakistani bowlers in the US11

 

[CricVet]

Usman, Babar & Shaheen out

Nafay, Fakhar & Tariq in

You said what I came here to type. I can coach better than this cartoon show.

Fakhar and Farhan open.
Then Saim. Salman, Nafay, Nawaz, Faheem. Shadab, the rest.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Banana slip game for USA. If they are careless they could lose this one @Devadwal @Rajdeep

 

[Kianig89]

Pakistan will win Inshallah

 

[RidiculousMan]

So, how are we beating this spirited USA side?

Looks to be a hard effort.

Our spin attack is better than India. Usman Tariq must play

 

[RidiculousMan]

You said what I came here to type. I can coach better than this cartoon show.

Fakhar and Farhan open.
Then Saim. Salman, Nafay, Nawaz, Faheem. Shadab, the rest.

I would not touch Top 3. Let them play. Fakhar if he comes bats at 4. At least he won't waste as many balls as Babar

 

[AamchiMumbaikar]

Usa will be tricky on a slow pitch. Pak should bring their A gamw

 

[Rana]

Usa will be tricky on a slow pitch. Pak should bring their A gamw

100% Usman Tariq plays this game

 

[jnaveen1980]

Our spin attack is better than India. Usman Tariq must play

On these tracks pakistan attack will be mauled. lol They are hiding behind Srilankan tracks.

 

[CricVet]

Usman, Babar & Shaheen out

Nafay, Fakhar & Tariq in

You said what I came here to type. I can coach better than this cartoon show.

Fakhar and Farhan opens
Then Saim. Salman, Nafay, Nawaz, Faheem. Shadab, the rest

I would not touch Top 3. Let them play. Fakhar if he comes bats at 4. At least he won't waste as many balls as Babar

Then no need of Fakhar. Fakhar must play during PP since he needs chances while fielders are restricted.

 

[Devadwal]

India vs USA match dekhne ke bad Tange kanp Rahi hai Pakistaniyo? @The Bald Eagle

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Usman, Babar & Shaheen out

Nafay, Fakhar & Tariq in

After years of blindly defending Babar and Rizwan, it took you one game vs Ned to switch up lol

 

[The Bald Eagle]

India vs USA match dekhne ke bad Tange kanp Rahi hai Pakistaniyo? @The Bald Eagle

Yeah, should have beaten India...but skipping to see Indians whining is next level fun

 

[Devadwal]

Yeah, should have beaten India...but skipping to see Indians whining is next level fun

but they certainly defeated Pakistan in 2024 and kicked them out of the tournament.

They have another chance to knock Pakistan out of the tournament.

Apne Ghabrana nahi hai.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Yeah, should have beaten India...but skipping to see Indians whining is next level fun

Wish Pakistan for an upset win over USA

 

[batandballbattle]

they have just given the favourites a scare, taking badla won't be so easy
babar out for nafay, tariq in for shaheen

 

[jnaveen1980]

India vs USA match dekhne ke bad Tange kanp Rahi hai Pakistaniyo? @The Bald Eagle

They are building up excuse for potential loss against uSA by trolling in India vs USA thread lol They are seriously scared of losing to USA> could have lost today to netherlands. Right now SL colluding with Pakistan has prepared some dodgy pitches in favor of Pakistan. that could change if USA spinners come to party.

 

[sweep_shot]

I expect Pakistan to beat the living daylight out of USA because of these reasons:

- Revenge for 2024 World T20 result.

- Pakistani T20 team is much better now.

- USA's batting is very weak currently. No Corey Anderson, Steven Taylor, Jones etc.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Wish Pakistan for an upset win over USA

Thanks for the wishes, hope some trundler engineer also get lured by PSL contract

 

[jnaveen1980]

Thanks for the wishes, hope some trundler engineer also get lured by PSL contract

That trundler AI engineer knocking pakistan out of first round will remain in history

 

[Devadwal]

Thanks for the wishes, hope some trundler engineer also get lured by PSL contract

An Indian part timer cricketer kickout Pakistan from the World T20. Not enough humiliation or wants more such humiliation ?

 

[The Bald Eagle]

They are building up excuse for potential loss against uSA by trolling in India vs USA thread lol They are seriously scared of losing to USA> could have lost today to netherlands. Right now SL colluding with Pakistan has prepared some dodgy pitches in favor of Pakistan. that could change if USA spinners come to party.

Lol, pot calling the kettle black (Regarding pitch curation) no body expects a green mamba in SL as Agha also mentioned today. BCCICC loving the drama... They should just cut loose on PCT, who knows PCT mericulously save their gate fees in the final.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

An Indian part timer cricketer kickout Pakistan from the World T20. Not enough humiliation or wants more such humiliation ?

You almost had a taste of it today.... But once an Indian always an Indian ... Networklal

 

[Devadwal]

You almost had a taste of it today.... But once an Indian always an Indian ... Networklal

Bhai hum to 29 runs se win hua hai. Bhut hoti hai 29 runs ki win T20 main.

Yes once a india is always india - to humiliates Pakistan, doesn't matter he is play for india or USA.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Bhai hum to 29 runs se win hua hai. Bhut hoti hai 29 runs ki win T20 main.

Yes once a india is always india - to humiliates Pakistan, doesn't matter he is play for india or USA.

Yeah Kohli knows that and that's why was laughing with Shoaib Malik

 

[Chuggy]

I expect Pakistan to beat the living daylight out of USA because of these reasons:

- Revenge for 2024 World T20 result.

- Pakistani T20 team is much better now.

- USA's batting is very weak currently. No Corey Anderson, Steven Taylor, Jones etc.

As long as there are no washouts for us. Pakistan is beating USA and Namibia comfortably. They must drop Babar, Usman and Shadab for those games though!

 

[sweep_shot]

As long as there are no washouts for us. Pakistan is beating USA and Namibia comfortably. They must drop Babar, Usman and Shadab for those games though!

For sure.

Pakistan should get 2 big wins if rain stays away.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Lol, pot calling the kettle black (Regarding pitch curation) no body expects a green mamba in SL as Agha also mentioned today. BCCICC loving the drama... They should just cut loose on PCT, who knows PCT mericulously save their gate fees in the final.

All pre-arranged based on that squad was even picked

 

[Devadwal]

Yeah Kohli knows that and that's why was laughing with Shoaib Malik

Virat ne jitna Pakistan ko dhoya hai shayd kisi or players ne. Post Karu stats, MOT ?

 

[CricVet]

This time, BICC won’t stop sprinklers unril rhe pitch is as green as Shrek.

 

[deltexas]

Hoping USA can do a repeat of 2024.. this was always the most viable path..

 

[Devadwal]

Hoping USA can do a repeat of 2024.. this was always the most viable path..

Just need help from @sweep_shot . " hoping for a Pakistan victory".

 

[jnaveen1980]

Come on USA. Make great again. You got it. Pakistan can go from 50/0 to 60/7 . always believe

 

[RahulBose]

Thanks for the wishes, hope some trundler engineer also get lured by PSL contract

His salary and esops would already makr him unaffordable for psl

 

[The Bald Eagle]

His salary and esops would already makr him unaffordable for psl

Hahah...o yes, you are right

 

[DeadlyVenom]

If all US team tries then who knows what can happen. They had India on the ropes today too before something's happened before our eyes.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Just need help from @sweep_shot . " hoping for a Pakistan victory".

Naqvi is in serious talks with SLC curators. USA will be against all odds.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Naqvi is in serious talks with SLC curators. USA will be against all odds.

Wow, any source.... didn't know ICC chairman got changed overnight

 

[Champ_Pal]

Netravalkar will take out his anger in Pakistan.

 

[Omer2002]

Biggest issue is readimg the wicket i think they cant go into any match with just 2 pacers unless they are 100 percent sure it will spin big

 

[gazza619]

You said what I came here to type. I can coach better than this cartoon show.

Fakhar and Farhan opens
Then Saim. Salman, Nafay, Nawaz, Faheem. Shadab, the rest

Then no need of Fakhar. Fakhar must play during PP since he needs chances while fielders are restricted.

I would not touch top 3. Fakhar has been useful slogging the spinners in the middle overs. That is Pakistan’s best combination based on current squad.

 

[gazza619]

After years of blindly defending Babar and Rizwan, it took you one game vs Ned to switch up lol

It was not just the one game. There was a build up of events. I had enough.

 

[Bhimja turtle]

Our spin attack is better than India. Usman Tariq must play

Kab se tariq is unknown commodity,and how is nawaz and ghungroo seth better than axar and chakravarthy

 

[shah9425]

Pakistan will beat USA

Just keep Babar as waterboy for rest of tournament

Play Usman Tariq in next match

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistan will beat USA

Just keep Babar as waterboy for rest of tournament

Play Usman Tariq in next match

I think Pakistani bowling attack should be too much for USA.

I expect USA to get bundled out for less than 120; maybe even less than 100.

USA's main strength is bowling. Their batting is club-level due to missing some key batters (Aaron Jones, Steven Taylor, Corey Anderson etc.).

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Shock incoming...Indian diaspora won't be dropping the match in this one

 

[mon858]

Will be easy victory. Netherlands coming close was a once a year kind of hiccup. I see no issue. Whether its same side or play usman Tariq. Doesnt matter. You can even give Saim more overs, he can do the job also. People are worried for no reason.

USA batters won't be able to handle Abrar and Saim even.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Go with the same XI, let Babar, Usman and Shaheen fail then bring in Nafay, Fakhar and Tariq vs India.

 

[pakistani pride]

I prefer to play with 9, but please please drop Babar and Shaheen!

 

[CricVet]

Netravalkar will take out his anger in Pakistan.

LoL...why would he travel to Pak to get his anger out @ Pak. He can stay in Ind and enjoy this burn with his like minded kinds.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Will be easy victory. Netherlands coming close was a once a year kind of hiccup. I see no issue. Whether its same side or play usman Tariq. Doesnt matter. You can even give Saim more overs, he can do the job also. People are worried for no reason.

USA batters won't be able to handle Abrar and Saim even.

I think if Pakistan don't want to drop Usman. Then they can drop Shadab for a batter. They already have 7 bowling options.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think if Pakistan don't want to drop Usman. Then they can drop Shadab for a batter. They already have 7 bowling options.

Shadab should be dropped for Usman Tariq in my opinion.

Abrar + Usman + M Nawaz + Saim = That's a killer spin attack.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Shadab should be dropped for Usman Tariq in my opinion.

Abrar + Usman + M Nawaz + Saim = That's a killer spin attack.

That weakens Pakistan's batting line up. I actually like batting depth in this tournament with these pitches.

If Tariq has to play. He comes in for a pacer.

 

[mon858]

I think if Pakistan don't want to drop Usman. Then they can drop Shadab for a batter. They already have 7 bowling options.

No way. You cant drop Shadab. With the intent batting and not ideal batting conditions wickets will will fall. He is in form. Good fielder and decent bowling on spin tracks. He must play.

If you want usman Tariq now then a pacer is to dropped. Problem is Fahim you cant because he just won the game. Shaheen is senior most and on given day on average would be better than Salman Mirza and can hold bat. And Salman Mirza has a good game too.

I personally feel save Usman Tariq for knockouts. Dont him getting reported early in the tournament. If India game is back on, we can play him then also.

 

[sweep_shot]

That weakens Pakistan's batting line up. I actually like batting depth in this tournament with these pitches.

If Tariq has to play. He comes in for a pacer.

In that case, Tariq can replace Faheem or Shaheen I guess.

 

[zn426]

Talking as an American fan.

We won in 2024 because the team outworked Pakistan and was completely unified while the Pakistani team had internal divisions and immense distractions from what happened with SSA. It was also "first-match" syndrome-Pakistan tends to perform poorly in the first match of a tournament (See 2019 vs. WI, 2024 vs. USA, even today versus the Netherlands).

Our bowling lineup is excellent although we will need to see if Ali Khan is healthy and ready to go because he did well in his 2 overs vs. India. I'd like to think we would have won had he bowled the last over vs. India instead of Netravalkar. Also can't be dropping catches for sure.

Pakistan looked great vs. Australia pre-tournament and got off to a good start vs. Netherlands but got dragged back. We've also got a little bit of a psychological edge.
I wouldn't think that our batting is as bad as yall think it is. We had to go into Mumbai into a very pro-India crowd and still managed to do well against a strong bowling lineup. Shubham was also injured on batting, the inability for him to rotate strike easily limited what the other batsmen could do. Harmeet Singh is a solid all-rounder and our upper order has made some decent strides.

More likely than not Pakistan wins but I think it will be close.

 

[Sachin fan]

If all US team tries then who knows what can happen. They had India on the ropes today too before something's happened before our eyes.

Just like Netherlands had pakistan on the rope by bowling short and then decided to bowl full to faheem last two overs, for no reason at all?

That happened before our eyes too.

 

[Sachin fan]

Shadab should be dropped for Usman Tariq in my opinion.

Abrar + Usman + M Nawaz + Saim = That's a killer spin attack.

Good to see fans without a team in world cup have adopted other teams to support. True spirit of cricket, bringing everyone together, even the team less.