Pakistan registered a comfortable victory over the United States, but concerns around their pace attack continued to linger. While the result was emphatic, the fast bowlers once again failed to impose themselves, relying heavily on the batting unit and spin department to control the game. The lack of rhythm, consistency, and breakthroughs from the pacers is becoming a recurring issue.

USA openers Shayan Jahangir (49 off 34) and Andries Gous (13 off 13) got off to a positive start, racing to 50 for 1 after five overs. However, the momentum shifted sharply once Pakistan introduced its spin quartet. Abrar Ahmed (1/30), Mohammad Nawaz (1/21), Shadab Khan (2/26), and Usman Tariq (3/27) collectively dismantled the middle order, claiming seven of the eight wickets to fall and preventing any sustained partnerships.

Jahangir was dismissed when Shaheen Afridi caught his lofted attempt at mid-wicket, while USA captain Monank Patel fell cheaply to Shadab Khan. Milind Kumar (23) and Shubham Ranjane (51 off 30) attempted a recovery with a fourth-wicket stand of 66, but the required run rate continued to climb. Despite their resistance, the USA ultimately fell well short of the target.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings faced a brief setback when Shadley van Schalkwyk produced a fiery sixth over, dismissing captain Salman Agha and Saim Ayub on his way to figures of 4/25. However, Sahibzada Farhan’s aggressive approach ensured Pakistan maintained control. Shadab Khan’s late cameo of 30 off just 12 balls further strengthened the total, even as wickets fell in the closing stages.

Farhan Leads Pakistan’s Batting Effort

Sahibzada Farhan was Pakistan’s standout performer with the bat, scoring a fluent 73 off 41 deliveries, including five sixes and six fours. His innings provided Pakistan with early momentum at the top of the order.

Went to pray isha, & when i came back bro told me Babar hit two 4s & a 6 in the same over…i said you are lying until i saw this video….Truly a miracle!!!#PAKvUSA pic.twitter.com/NFlFsRmme5

— Rinchan (@girdeh) February 10, 2026

Babar Azam anchored the innings through the middle overs with a composed 46 from 32 balls, playing his familiar stabilising role. Shadab Khan added late fireworks, striking 30 off 12 balls and finding the boundary with ease. Saim Ayub contributed 19, but Pakistan’s batting showed signs of vulnerability late in the innings, losing five wickets in the final two overs as USA’s bowlers mounted a spirited comeback. Van Schalkwyk was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets.

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Jahangir Provides Early Spark in USA’s Chase

Shayan Jahangir was the bright spot in the USA’s chase, combining composure with aggression to give his side early hope. His 49 off 34 balls featured crisp stroke play, particularly through the off side, along with intelligent strike rotation to keep the scoreboard moving.

Jahangir capitalised on loose deliveries from Pakistan’s pace attack and absorbed pressure effectively, appearing well on course for a half-century. However, his dismissal, caught off Shaheen Afridi before Shadab Khan struck soon after, proved decisive. Falling at 69 for 3 in the 10th over, the USA struggled to regain momentum as the required run rate became increasingly out of reach.

Ranjane’s Late Flourish Comes Too Late

Shubham Ranjane briefly reignited hopes with an aggressive assault on Shaheen Afridi, smashing two consecutive sixes at the start of an over. Waiting for pace, Ranjane capitalised on Afridi’s deliveries, including a slog-swept six over deep mid-wicket that underlined his intent.

Despite the powerful hitting, the match was already slipping away from the USA. While Afridi’s spell appeared to ease pressure momentarily due to changes in his action and swing, Pakistan remained firmly in control as the USA failed to bridge the gap.