Farhan Shines as Pakistan Beat USA by 32 Runs Ahead of India Clash

Pakistan completed solid preparations ahead of their much-anticipated T20 World Cup clash against India, securing their second consecutive win in the group stage with a 32-run victory over the United States.

In the 2024 edition, the USA had stunned Pakistan in a Super Over. This time, however, there was no repeat of that drama.

Riding on a sparkling 74 off 41 balls from Sahibzada Farhan and a 48 off 32 balls from Babar Azam, Pakistan posted 190 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, the USA failed to keep up with the required run rate during the chase.

It was Farhan’s ninth half-century in T20 internationals. Babar, who had recently faced criticism over his form, also found some relief with the bat. Farhan departed in the 16th over for 74, leaving Pakistan at 143 for 4 after being dismissed by Harmeet Singh.

Although Shadab Khan played a late cameo of 30 off 12 balls, Pakistan lost five wickets in the final two overs while pushing for a bigger total. USA pacer Shadley van Schalkwyk impressed again, claiming 4 for 25 for the second consecutive match.

Chasing 191, USA opener Shayan Jahangir provided early resistance, almost single-handedly keeping his side in the contest. However, he was dismissed for 49 in the 11th over, falling just one run short of a half-century, by which time the required run rate had climbed significantly.

The USA managed only 29 runs in the six overs following the powerplay. Shubham Ranjane fought back with a 51 off 30 balls, but his effort only reduced the margin of defeat without altering the outcome. Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq claimed three wickets.

Despite back-to-back defeats putting them under pressure in the tournament, the USA can take positives from their performance. They will look for their first win when they face the Netherlands on Friday.

Meanwhile, this victory has boosted Pakistan’s confidence ahead of Sunday’s high-voltage clash against arch-rivals and defending champions India. Although there had been uncertainty surrounding the fixture due to a government decision, the reversal of that decision means the much-anticipated contest will go ahead as scheduled.