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Pakistan are set to face the United States of America in a high-stakes Group A clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo on Tuesday. The "Men in Green" enter this Pakistan vs USA contest with revenge on their minds. The scars of the 2024 T20 World Cup are still fresh, where the USA pulled off a historic Super Over upset in Dallas, a result that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.
Under the new leadership of Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan will be desperate to set the record straight and secure crucial points in a tricky group that also includes defending champions India.
For the United States, this match is an opportunity to prove that their 2024 heroics were no fluke. Led by the composed Monank Patel, the USA has continued to grow as a cricketing force. With a squad that balances experience and explosive talent, they will look to exploit any signs of nervousness in the Pakistani camp. The conditions in Colombo, likely to offer some turn, will test the adaptability of the American batters against Pakistan's spin attack.
While Pakistan start as favourites on paper due to their experience and depth, the pressure is squarely on them. Another slip-up against the USA could be disastrous for their campaign, making this a "must-watch" encounter for fans across the globe.
Pakistan vs USA, Match Details
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), Colombo
Key players to watch (Pakistan)
Babar Azam: Returning to the squad after a brief hiatus, the batting maestro remains the linchpin of Pakistan’s lineup. His ability to anchor the innings and play spin will be vital on the Colombo surface.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: In the absence of Haris Rauf, the onus of leading the pace attack falls heavily on Shaheen. His new-ball bursts and lethal yorkers at the death will be Pakistan's primary weapon to derail the USA chase.
Salman Ali Agha: The Pakistani captain has a point to prove. His role as a middle-order stabiliser and a handy off-spinner makes him a dual threat, but his tactical acumen in pressure situations will be the real test.
Key players to watch (USA)
Monank Patel: The captain played a match-winning knock in the famous 2024 victory and remains the backbone of the USA batting. His composure at the crease allows the power-hitters around him to play freely.
Saurabh Netravalkar: The hero of the Super Over in Dallas, Netravalkar's left-arm angle and ability to swing the ball upfront will be crucial. His battle against Pakistan's top order could define the power play.
Andries Gous: A reliable run-scorer for the USA, Gous has the technique to handle pace and the aggression to take on spin. If he gets going, he can take the game away from the opposition quickly.
Predicted Playing XIs
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz
USA: Monank Patel (c & wk), Saiteja Mukkamala, Andries Gous, Shayan Jahangir, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan
Pitch Report
The pitch at the SSC in Colombo generally favours spinners, offering turn and low bounce as the game progresses. However, the venue has seen decent scoring rates recently. Batters will need to apply themselves early before looking to accelerate. The weather has been unpredictable, and overhead conditions could assist swing bowlers initially.
Weather Forecast
Colombo has been witnessing scattered showers leading up to the tournament. The forecast for Tuesday suggests cloudy skies with a chance of rain interruptions. A shortened game could bring the DLS method into play, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Live Streaming Details
The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also stream the game live on the JioHotstar app and website.
