The Men’s T20 World Cup delivered another thrilling day of action as Pakistan strengthened their campaign with a solid win over the United States, New Zealand produced a record-breaking performance against the United Arab Emirates, and the Netherlands registered an impressive victory over Namibia.
Pakistan Defeat USA to Set Up India Clash
In Colombo, Pakistan secured a convincing 32-run win over the United States in their second Group A encounter, fine-tuning preparations for their blockbuster clash against India.
Having suffered a dramatic Super Over defeat to the USA in the 2024 edition, Pakistan made sure there would be no repeat this time. They posted a competitive total of 190-9 from their 20 overs before restricting the Americans to 158-8.
The star of Pakistan’s innings was Sahibzada Farhan, who delivered a brilliant knock of 73 from just 41 deliveries. His fluent stroke play anchored the innings and provided the foundation for a strong total. Captain Babar Azam also contributed a valuable 48 from 32 balls, offering signs of a return to form after a lean patch.
Farhan reached his ninth T20 International half-century and dominated the middle overs before falling in the 16th over to Harmeet Singh. At that stage, Pakistan were well positioned at 143-4 and looking to accelerate further.
Shadab Khan injected late momentum with a rapid 30 off only 12 balls. However, Pakistan’s finish was slightly disrupted as they lost five wickets across the final two overs. USA seamer Shadley van Schalkwyk was once again outstanding, claiming 4-25 for the second successive match.
Chasing 191, the United States struggled to maintain the required run rate. Opener Shayan Jahangir led the early resistance and appeared set for a half-century before being dismissed for 49 in the 11th over.
The middle overs proved costly for the Americans. Despite having wickets in hand, they managed only 29 runs in a six-over stretch after the powerplay. Shubham Ranjane played an aggressive cameo of 51 from 30 balls, but the mounting pressure proved too much.
Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq made key breakthroughs, finishing with figures of 3-27 to shut down any hopes of a late comeback.
The result gives Pakistan two wins from two matches and a major confidence boost heading into their highly anticipated showdown against defending champions India — a fixture that was briefly uncertain before political tensions were resolved.
The USA, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they face the Netherlands in their next outing.
New Zealand Crush UAE with Historic Opening Stand
Over in Chennai, New Zealand delivered one of the most dominant performances in T20 World Cup history, thrashing the United Arab Emirates by 10 wickets.
The Black Caps chased down 174 without losing a single wicket, completing the task in just 15.2 overs.
Openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, putting together the highest partnership for any wicket in T20 World Cup history. Their unbeaten 175-run stand surpassed the previous record of 170 set by England’s Jos Buttler and Alex Hales in 2022.
Batting first, the UAE had posted a respectable 173-6. Captain Muhammad Waseem led from the front with an unbeaten 66 off 45 balls, while Alishan Sharafu contributed 55 from 47 deliveries. Their 107-run second-wicket partnership gave the UAE hope of defending a competitive total.
Sharafu impressed with elegant stroke play, particularly through the off side, before being dismissed via a superb relay catch involving Mark Chapman and Mitchell Santner.
Waseem and Mayank Kumar added late fireworks, including a 27-run over off Glenn Phillips, helping the UAE record their highest total in T20 World Cup history.
However, New Zealand’s response was ruthless.
Seifert, fresh from a 65 against Afghanistan, continued his fine form with 89 not out from 42 balls. He reached his half-century in just 23 deliveries. Allen matched him stroke for stroke, smashing 84 from 50 balls, including five sixes.
The pair dismantled the UAE bowling attack, chasing down the target with 28 balls remaining and securing New Zealand’s second consecutive victory.
Next up, the Black Caps face South Africa, while the UAE take on Canada.
Netherlands Dominate Namibia in Delhi
Earlier in Delhi, the Netherlands claimed their first win of the tournament with a convincing seven-wicket triumph over Namibia.
After pushing Pakistan close in their opening match but falling short, the Dutch bounced back strongly.
Namibia, batting first, posted 156-8 from their 20 overs. They made a steady start, reaching 60-1 before losing momentum. Jan Frylinck scored 30, but key wickets fell at regular intervals.
Bas de Leede played a crucial role with the ball, dismissing Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus and JJ Smit. Logan van Beek also chipped in, finishing with 2-13. Nicol Loftie-Eaton top-scored for Namibia with 42 from 38 balls.
Chasing 157, the Netherlands lost an early wicket but recovered through a 70-run partnership between Bas de Leede and Colin Ackerman.
De Leede was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 72 from 48 balls, striking five fours and four sixes. His all-round contribution made history, as he became the first Netherlands player to score a half-century and claim two wickets in the same T20 World Cup match.
The Dutch reached their target in 18 overs, sealing the biggest victory in their tournament history.
Namibia now prepare to face defending champions India, while the Netherlands carry momentum into their clash with the USA.
The T20 World Cup continues to produce drama, records, and standout performances as teams battle for supremacy.
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