Pakistan will face the USA tonight at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in a high-stakes Group A match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with memories of the 2024 Super Over upset still fresh. For the Green Shirts, this clash is not just another group-stage fixture; instead, it is a chance to settle a score and rebuild confidence early in the tournament.
Pakistan aim to stabilise after shaky start
Pakistan entered the 2026 competition under new captain Salman Ali Agha and opened their campaign with a tense three-wicket win over the Netherlands. However, the top order showed clear vulnerability, and the team will need a stronger start on a spin-friendly Colombo surface. Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi stands on the brink of history, needing five more wickets to surpass Haris Rauf as Pakistan’s leading T20I wicket-taker.
Agha urged calm ahead of the game, saying the squad respects the challenge but will not remain stuck in the past.
USA arrive as proven challengers, not underdogs
The USA, led by Monank Patel, no longer carry the label of minnows in this format. Although they lost by 29 runs to India in their opener, their bowling attack remained disciplined, with Saurabh Netravalkar once again emerging as a key threat.
Additionally, the Americans received a late boost after pacer Ehsan Adil joined as an injury replacement for Jasdeep Singh, bringing valuable experience and familiarity with Pakistani players.
Pakistan will also watch Babar Azam closely, as the former captain remains under pressure to regain form and anchor the innings. Fans in Pakistan can stream the match on Tamasha and Tapmad.
