The Rematch We’ve Been Waiting For: Pakistan vs USA Preview (T20 World Cup 2026)
By Crick tv
Updated: Feb 10, 2026 10:57 AM
If there is one fixture in Group A that has "narrative" written all over it, it’s this one. Tonight, under the lights in Colombo, Pakistan takes on the USA in a match that is about so much more than just two points.
For Pakistan, it’s a chance to bury the ghosts of Dallas 2024. For the USA, it’s an opportunity to prove that their historic Super Over victory two years ago wasn't a fluke, but a statement.
Here’s everything you need to know before the first ball is bowled in Match 12 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
The Context: Revenge or Repeat?
Let’s be honest—we all remember that game in 2024. The USA, the co-hosts, stunned the cricketing world by taking down the Shaheens in a Super Over. That loss derailed Pakistan’s campaign and put American cricket on the map.
Fast forward to 2026. Pakistan enters this game with a "W" next to their name, having scraped past the Netherlands by 3 wickets in their opener. It wasn't pretty—a middle-order wobble almost cost them—but Faheem Ashraf and the tail wagged just enough to get them over the line. Under the new leadership of Salman Ali Agha, they are a team in transition, looking for stability.
On the other side, the USA is coming off a spirited loss to defending champions India. While they lost by 29 runs, their bowlers, led by the evergreen Saurabh Netravalkar and Shadley van Schalkwyk, had India in genuine trouble early on. They are scrappy, they are disciplined, and they know exactly how to get under Pakistan’s skin.
Key Battles to Watch
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Shaheen Afridi vs. Monank Patel The USA skipper, Monank Patel, was the hero in 2024 with a match-winning fifty. Tonight, he faces a fired-up Shaheen Afridi. The Colombo pitch has offered some assistance to pacers under lights, and Shaheen will be desperate to break the USA's backbone in the first over.
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The Spin Web: Shadab Khan vs. USA Middle Order The Sinhalese Sports Club track can be grippy. Shadab Khan hasn't been at his vintage best recently, but against a lineup that sometimes struggles against high-quality wrist spin, this is his stage to dominate. However, players like Milind Kumar showed grit against India and won't go down without a fight.
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Saurabh Netravalkar vs. Pakistan’s Top Order It’s the battle of the software engineer vs. the heavyweights. Netravalkar’s ability to swing the ball both ways in the Powerplay is USA’s biggest weapon. If he can nip out Saim Ayub or Babar Azam early, panic could set in for Pakistan.
The "X" Factor: Pressure
Pakistan is arguably under more pressure than any other team in the tournament right now. Between the close shave against the Dutch and the looming uncertainty/drama regarding their next match against India, the players have a lot on their minds. A loss here wouldn't just be an upset; it would be a disaster for their Super 8 hopes.
The USA, conversely, has nothing to lose. They’ve done it before, and that belief is a dangerous thing for an opponent to face.
Final Thoughts
On paper, Pakistan are the heavy favorites. They have the experience, the depth, and the raw talent. But cricket isn't played on paper, and certainly not T20 cricket.
If Pakistan plays to their potential, they should win comfortably. But if they let the pressure of 2024 creep in, and if the USA fields with the same intensity they showed against India, we could be in for another classic.
Prediction: Pakistan to win, but don't be surprised if the USA takes it to the final over.
Grab your popcorn, folks. This one is going to be personal.
What do you think? Will the USA pull off another miracle, or will the Shaheens roar back? Let me know in the comments!