COLOMBO (Web Desk) – Pakistan will bat first against the United States after losing the toss in their T20 World Cup Group A fixture in Colombo, with the match set to begin at 6:30pm Pakistan time.
The encounter renews a rivalry that grabbed global attention two years ago when the USA stunned the 2009 champions with a Super Over victory in Dallas.
There is one confirmed change in Pakistan’s line-up, with Salman Mirza replaced by Usman Tariq for the match. Team combinations have been under close scrutiny after Pakistan were pushed to the edge in their tournament opener.
USA leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin has said the psychological burden sits with Pakistan heading into the contest, pointing to the previous World Cup upset as a factor. Mohsin, who was born and developed his cricket in Pakistan before moving to the United States five years ago, said his knowledge of the Pakistan players has helped shape USA’s tactical preparation.
He described the American side as more skilled and confident compared to their squad from two years ago, and expressed belief that they can deliver another strong performance against higher-ranked opposition.
Pakistan fast bowler Salman Mirza, speaking before being replaced in the XI, played down the impact of the 2024 defeat and said the team considers that result history. He stressed that wins and losses are part of cricket and said the squad is focused on the present tournament rather than past setbacks.
Recent form
USA arrive after a competitive showing against India in their opening match in Mumbai. They reduced India to 77 for 6 at one stage, with Mohsin claiming a wicket on his T20 World Cup debut, before India recovered and secured a 29-run win.
Pakistan, meanwhile, escaped with a narrow victory over the Netherlands in their first game. Chasing a tricky target, they needed 29 runs from the final two overs before all-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s late hitting carried them over the line. Mirza returned figures of 3 for 24 in that match, underlining the effectiveness of Pakistan’s pace attack.
Selection watch
Pakistan are also considering adjustments in their batting order. Experienced left-hander Fakhar Zaman is in contention to return, with Babar Azam facing criticism for a slow scoring rate in the opening fixture.
Group A remains tightly poised, and qualification for the Super Eight stage depends on finishing among the top two teams. Pakistan’s earlier exit after the loss to USA in the previous edition remains a recent reminder of how costly a single defeat can be in the short format, especially against emerging sides who have already shown their ability to compete under pressure.
