Pakistan will be up against a spirited USA side in a high-stakes Group A clash at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, firing up the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 10, 2026.
Led by Salman Ali Agha, the Men in Green seek payback for their shocking Super Over loss to the USA in 2024, building on a tight win over the Netherlands in their tournament opener. Babar Azam faces pressure to regain his touch in a star-packed lineup.
Meanwhile, Monank Patel's USA, riding momentum as an associate powerhouse despite a tough prior outing, brings grit with bowlers like Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan poised to exploit a pitch aiding spinners and seamers under lights-dew might tilt it toward chasers. Pakistan's experience gives them the upper hand,
but the USA's bold style promises edge-of-the-seat action. Both teams report no key injuries, paving the way for powerhouse XIs.
Pakistan vs USA Team News and Preview
Pakistan's well-rounded unit features dynamic openers, steady hitters like Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Usman Khan, plus a lethal mix of pace from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah (pending full fitness), spin via Abrar Ahmed, and all-round firepower from Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. After showing batting promise but vulnerability to dips in their last game, Agha eyes a solid core. Expect few changes from their winning XI.
The USA blends Indian-descent flair and homegrown talent, anchored by Patel's reliability and Netravalkar's swing, with Harmeet Singh's spin for depth. Fresh off competitive displays, they plan to rattle Pakistan under spotlight. Colombo's track rewards tight bowling, pitting Pakistan's might against USA's tenacity in what could be a nail-biter.
PAK vs USA Probable Playing 11
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed
USA: Andries Gous (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan, Saurabh Netravalkar
Pakistan vs USA Prediction
While Pakistan enter as clear favourites with their superior experience, depth, and recent momentum, the shadow of their 2024 T20 World Cup humiliation looms large. USA stunned the cricketing world then with a Super Over victory, proving they can exploit pressure and capitalize on Pakistani inconsistency.
On Colombo's balanced pitch, where dew might aid chasers and spinners like Harmeet Singh could trouble the middle order, USA's disciplined bowling, led by Saurabh Netravalkar and Ali Khan, has the tools to restrict Pakistan below par if they strike early. Monank Patel's steady leadership and aggressive batting approach give them belief, especially after pushing a strong side hard recently. Pakistan remain unpredictable, often vulnerable to early collapses.
USA's fearless mindset and hunger for another giant-killing make an upset very much on the cards-don't be surprised if the rising stars script history once more in this high-stakes rematch.
