Pakistan enters the match with four consecutive T20I victories, including a 3-0 series sweep over Australia. This strong momentum contrasts with their 2024 Super Over loss to USA, setting the stage for redemption.
Match Details
The game occurs on February 10, 2026, at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. It starts at 7:00 PM local time, which is 1:30 PM GMT.
Group A includes India, Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia. Both teams need points to advance.
Pakistan Team News and Form Guide
Pakistan defeated Netherlands by three wickets in their opener, chasing 148 after restricting them to 147. Faheem Ashraf's late boundaries secured the win.
Captain Salman Ali Agha promotes himself to number three, boosting the batting lineup. According to ESPNcricinfo, Agha has transformed his approach, striking at over 190 in recent games.
Babar Azam struggles for form, scoring modestly in the first match. The team relies on openers Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub for starts.
Shaheen Afridi marks his 100th T20I, aiming to surpass Haris Rauf's wicket record despite recent fitness issues. The bowling unit features Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz.
Predicted XI includes Farhan, Ayub, Agha, Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Nawaz, Ashraf, Afridi, Salman Mirza, and Ahmed. No major changes expected.
Form: WWWWL. Pakistan won 27 of 47 T20Is recently, per Cricket World analysis.
USA Team News and Form Guide
USA lost to India by 29 runs after restricting them to 161 but falling short at 132. They threatened an upset early on.
Captain Monank Patel leads a squad with several India-origin players like Harmeet Singh and Saurabh Netravalkar. Ali Khan's fitness remains a concern after limping off.
According to The Guardian, USA's fielding errors cost them against India, but their bowling showed promise. Shadley van Schalkwyk and Netravalkar impressed.
Predicted XI features Andries Gous, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Patel, Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Shubham Ranjane, Harmeet Singh, Mohammad Mohsin, van Schalkwyk, Ali Khan or Jasdeep Singh, and Netravalkar.
Form: LWWLW. USA won 12 of 18 T20Is between World Cups, improving steadily.
Key Matchups and Predictions
Pakistan's spin attack, including Shadab, Nawaz, and Abrar, could dominate on Colombo's turning pitch. USA's Harmeet Singh offers counter-spin threat.
Batting Battles
Babar Azam faces USA's Netravalkar, who troubled top orders before. Saim Ayub's aggression tests USA's seamers.
Bowling Duels
Shaheen Afridi targets USA openers early. USA's Ali Khan, if fit, challenges Pakistan's middle order.
Analysts note Pakistan's improved form under coach Mike Hesson, per social media discussions. USA seeks another scalp after 2024 heroics.
Head-to-head favors Pakistan overall, but USA's 2024 win adds intrigue. Stats show even contests in limited meetings.
Pakistan holds the edge due to experience, but USA's familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions from practice could level the field.
This matchup highlights T20 cricket's unpredictability and growing competitiveness among associates. It underscores the tournament's global appeal and potential for upsets.
