ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs USA - team analysis, strengths and weaknesses
This matchup ignites memories of the USA's historic victory over Pakistan in 2024. Pakistan seeks redemption after narrowly beating the Netherlands, while the USA aims to recover from a close defeat.
Last Updated: 01.32 AM, Feb 09, 2026
The Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo will play host to the most anticipated grudge match of the group stages when Pakistan and the United States take the field this Tuesday, February 10. The atmosphere will be heavy with the history of 2024, when the world saw the USA dismantle the 2009 champions in a historic Super Over.
How to watch the Pakistan vs USA, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup match online?
Cricket fans in India can watch the Pakistan vs USA, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match LIVE on Jio Hotstar, accessible via OTTPlay Premium.
Current scenarios of the Pakistan vs USA
Pakistan are coming off after negating a horrible defeat against the Netherlands, where Faheem Ashraf took them over the line. They nearly repeated the same mistake they made in 2024 against the USA. But dropped catches from the Netherlands helped them to overcome the opponent this time.
Pakistan did well with the bat to make a solid comeback in the latter part of the first innings against the Netherlands. But their main concerns will be the batting line-up, as most of the top-order batters failed to get going.
On the other hand, USA faced a tough defeat against India in their opening game in Mumbai, where they could have created history by defeating the defending champions.
Despite a solid start with the ball and putting India in a difficult situation, the USA were unable to take advantage as they could not handle the swing and pace from Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj.
Squad analysis - Pakistan vs USA
In a shock selection move, pace spearhead Haris Rauf was omitted from the squad before the start of the tournament. The burden of the new ball now falls on Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, with Salman Mirza providing the third-seamer support.
Anticipating the dry, turning tracks of Colombo, Pakistan has packed its roster with slow-bowling variety. Abrar Ahmed and the deceptive Usman Tariq are expected to play primary roles alongside the veteran Shadab Khan.
Having already pushed defending champions India to the limit in their opener at the Wankhede, the USA will arrive in Sri Lanka with immense confidence.
Their squad features ten returning members from the 2024 miracle, which will provide a level of cohesion that many Full Member nations envy.
Shadley van Schalkwyk, who took four wickets against India and Harmeet Singh, who picked up two wickets, will remain their key players in dry conditions in Sri Lanka.
Squads
USA: Monank Patel (c), Jessy Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.
Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.