Pakistan rode a commanding performance by Sahibzada Farhan and a disciplined spin attack to a strong win over the United States in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday. The 29-year-old opener smashed a brisk 73 off 41 balls to help Pakistan post a competitive 190/9 at the Sinhalese Sports Club.
Farhan’s innings featured five sixes and six fours, while partner Babar Azam scored a lively 46 off 32. Spinners Usman Tariq (3-27) and Shadab Khan (2-26) then throttled the USA batting lineup, restricting them to 158/8 and sealing a 32-run victory for Pakistan.
After his match-winning knock, Farhan turned focus toward Pakistan’s looming blockbuster clash with arch-rival India in the T20 World Cup group stage this Sunday. “The match is on and we are in a confident mood,” he said, underlining Pakistan’s growing momentum.
Pakistan will enter that contest with belief. They now have two wins from two in Group A, including a narrow three-wicket victory over the Netherlands. Meanwhile, their upcoming opponents, India, have already played and beaten Namibia.
Farhan is no stranger to big stages against India. During the 2025 Asia Cup, he faced intense scrutiny after a controversial celebration against the Indians. That gesture — mimicking his bat as firing shots — prompted complaints and debate in both countries.
At a subsequent press event, Farhan defended his reaction as spontaneous and not planned. “I usually don’t celebrate fifties, but this time a new idea came to my mind and I expressed it differently,” he said. “It was just a new style of expression.”
India and Pakistan have one of world cricket’s most intense rivalries, shaped by decades of history and political tensions. During the Asia Cup, India’s Suryakumar Yadav dedicated a win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, a move that was widely covered and discussed.
Pakistan’s record against India in ICC events has been modest in recent years. In T20 World Cups before this edition, Pakistan had won only once in eight matches against their rivals.
Still, Pakistan’s confidence appears high. With Farhan in form and momentum on their side, they believe they can make an impact when the long-awaited showdown arrives.
