Pakistan will face the USA in a crucial Group A clash at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on February 10, 2026. This match carries extra significance for Pakistan as they look to avenge their shocking Super Over defeat against the same opponents at the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Captain Salman Agha leads a talented Pakistani squad featuring star batter Babar Azam and left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who will play his 100th T20I. The USA, led by Monank Patel, will aim to recreate their giant-killing heroics from Dallas when they stunned Pakistan in one of cricket’s greatest upsets.
Pakistan vs USA Match Preview
This Group A encounter is Pakistan’s second match of the tournament, following their narrow three-wicket victory over the Netherlands. The USA lost its opening game against defending champions India by 29 runs. Pakistan will next face Namibia on February 13 in Pallekele, while the USA takes on the Netherlands on February 12 in Colombo.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs USA, T20 World Cup 12th Match |
| Date | 10 February 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST / 1:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo |
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Context | Group A match, Pakistan’s second game |
Pitch Report
The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground offers a balanced surface that changes character as the match progresses. The pitch starts flat and batter-friendly with consistent bounce in the early overs. This makes the powerplay a good time for batters to settle in and score freely.
As the game moves forward, the surface shows wear and tear. Spinners find turn and variable bounce on this pitch. Quality spin attacks can put pressure on teams batting second. The average first innings score at this venue is around 158 in T20Is, showing that batters have generally struggled to score freely here.
Both pace and spin bowlers have enjoyed success at this ground. Fast bowlers have taken 51 percent of wickets, while spinners have claimed 49 percent. The pitch had a green tinge for the tournament opener between Pakistan and the Netherlands.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Balanced, deteriorates as the match progresses |
| Average 1st Innings Score | Around 158 in T20Is |
| Pace vs Spin | Pace gets early movement, spin is effective later |
| Toss Factor | Batting first is preferred due to pitch wear |
| Boundary Size | Standard boundaries |
Weather Report
In February, Colombo offers warm conditions for cricket. The weather on match day will be hot with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 31°C. During the evening match, temperatures are expected to hover around 24-27°C. Cloud cover is expected throughout the day. Humidity levels will be moderate, around 65-70%, and coastal breezes will provide some relief for players. There is a low chance of rain for the match.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22-31°C (24-27°C during match) |
| Sky | Partly cloudy |
| Rain Chance | Low |
| Humidity | 65-70% |
| Overall | Good conditions for cricket |
Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground is likely to choose to bat first. Historical data show that pitch deteriorates as the match progresses, making batting more difficult in the second innings. Spinners get more assistance on the worn surface.
Teams batting first can set a competitive total while the pitch is at its best. The tournament opener showed how the pitch slowed down towards the second innings. Expect the toss winner to bat first and put runs on the board.
Injury Updates
Pakistan: No Injury concerns.
USA: Ali Khan has a slight injury concern, rest of the squad is fully fit for selection
Dream11 Team For Pakistan vs USA
Pakistan vs USA Head-to-Head Records in T20Is
Pakistan and the USA have met only once in T20I cricket, at the T20 World Cup 2024 in Dallas. The match ended in a tie after both teams scored 159 runs. The game went to a Super Over, and the USA won by 5 runs. Saurabh Netravalkar defended 18 runs brilliantly to give the USA their greatest cricketing moment.
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total T20I Matches | 1 |
| Pakistan Wins | 0 |
| USA Wins | 1 (via Super Over) |
| No Result | 0 |
| T20 World Cup Meetings | USA leads 1-0 |
| Last Meeting (T20 WC 2024) | The USA won via a Super Over |
Last Five T20I Meetings
- USA won via Super Over – 06 Jun 2024 (T20 World Cup, Dallas)
Note: This is the only T20I meeting between these teams.
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Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Role | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salman Agha | PAK | All-rounder | Captain, 271 runs in last 9 matches at SR 168+ |
| Saim Ayub | PAK | Opener | 249 runs in 9 T20Is, left-handed aggressor |
| Shadab Khan | PAK | All-rounder | Key spinner, handy with the bat |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | PAK | Bowler | 100th T20I, 126 T20I wickets, left-arm pace |
| Mohammad Nawaz | PAK | All-rounder | 15 wickets in 9 matches, economy of 7.03 |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | USA | Bowler | Hero of 2024 upset, left-arm pacer |
| Monank Patel | USA | Batter | Captain, 365 runs in 10 T20Is at avg 60+ |
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