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After a near slip-up against the Netherlands in their opening match, Pakistan will be looking for a much more commanding performance when they face the United States in their second Group fixture of the T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on Tuesday (February 10).
Complacency will not be an option, as Pakistan are well aware that the USA can punch above their weight. Memories of the dramatic Super Over upset in the previous edition—which helped the Americans reach the Super 8 and secure direct entry into this tournament—remain fresh. Adding to the caution, USA gave India a tough challenge in their opener in Mumbai, highlighting their growing confidence on the global stage. With a batting lineup prone to collapses, this match could be trickier than it looks on paper.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, had little to complain about on the fresh, grassy pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The pacers and spinners combined to restrict the Netherlands to just 147, with every bowler except Shadab Khan picking up at least one wicket. Their batting, though, left much to be desired. If not for a fortunate reprieve for Faheem Ashraf and his heroics in the penultimate over, Pakistan could have been off to a forgettable start—something they cannot afford, especially with the crucial India clash looming later this week.
The USA began their campaign on a high, putting defending champions and co-hosts India in trouble at 46/4 and then 118/7 before captain Suryakumar Yadav’s counterattack rescued the team. Another top-order collapse left their middle and lower order with a steep challenge against India’s disciplined bowling.
Adding to their woes, USA will have to deal with injuries. While Shubham Ranjane managed to return after hobbling off the field in the first innings, the injury to Ali Khan could prove problematic during the short turnaround. To cover for other injuries, they have called up former Pakistan cricketer Ehsan Adil—uncapped for the USA in any format—who might make his debut straight off the plane.
Squads:
Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq
United States of America Squad: Andries Gous(w), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel(c), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shehan Jayasuriya, Nosthush Kenjige, Jasdeep Singh, Shayan Jahangir
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1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
Complacency will not be an option, as Pakistan are well aware that the USA can punch above their weight. Memories of the dramatic Super Over upset in the previous edition—which helped the Americans reach the Super 8 and secure direct entry into this tournament—remain fresh. Adding to the caution, USA gave India a tough challenge in their opener in Mumbai, highlighting their growing confidence on the global stage. With a batting lineup prone to collapses, this match could be trickier than it looks on paper.
Pakistan’s bowlers, however, had little to complain about on the fresh, grassy pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club. The pacers and spinners combined to restrict the Netherlands to just 147, with every bowler except Shadab Khan picking up at least one wicket. Their batting, though, left much to be desired. If not for a fortunate reprieve for Faheem Ashraf and his heroics in the penultimate over, Pakistan could have been off to a forgettable start—something they cannot afford, especially with the crucial India clash looming later this week.
The USA began their campaign on a high, putting defending champions and co-hosts India in trouble at 46/4 and then 118/7 before captain Suryakumar Yadav’s counterattack rescued the team. Another top-order collapse left their middle and lower order with a steep challenge against India’s disciplined bowling.
Adding to their woes, USA will have to deal with injuries. While Shubham Ranjane managed to return after hobbling off the field in the first innings, the injury to Ali Khan could prove problematic during the short turnaround. To cover for other injuries, they have called up former Pakistan cricketer Ehsan Adil—uncapped for the USA in any format—who might make his debut straight off the plane.
Squads:
Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha(c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan(w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq
United States of America Squad: Andries Gous(w), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel(c), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shehan Jayasuriya, Nosthush Kenjige, Jasdeep Singh, Shayan Jahangir
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All posters, please take note of the following guidelines for match threads on PakPassion:
1. No personal insults at other posters, players, officials, coaching staff, etc.
2. No making fun of players', officials', or coaching staff's names.
3. Do not add any references to media, their social media, or post any pictures or screenshots from other sports websites.
4. Stick to commenting on this match. There is no need to bring other countries into the match discussion, as there are plenty of other threads where those discussions can be added.
.. when the USA is your grudge match is when you should realise you should give up playing cricket ngl
Board of Peace 
