Pakistan will take on the United States in a high-stakes T20 World Cup Group A match today, with memories of a stunning upset from the 2024 T20 World Cup adding extra tension to the encounter.
USA leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin believes the pressure firmly rests on Pakistan, recalling how the Americans stunned the former champions in a dramatic super over defeat in Dallas two years ago. Mohsin said Pakistan will feel the burden of that loss as the two sides meet again, this time in Colombo.
USA Confident After Strong Start
The USA cricket team arrives confident after pushing tournament favourites India in their opening match in Mumbai. India were reduced to 77-6, with Mohsin claiming a wicket on his T20 World Cup debut, before eventually winning by 29 runs.
Mohsin, who was born and raised playing cricket in Pakistan before migrating to the US five years ago, believes his side has improved significantly.
“The pressure of losing the last game will be on Pakistan,” Mohsin said, adding that the USA are now a more skilled and confident team.
“I have played with most of the players in this Pakistan team, so I’ve given my input. We are better prepared than two years ago.”
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Pakistan Aim to Move On From Past
Pakistan fast bowler Salman Mirza dismissed suggestions that the previous defeat would affect his team’s mindset.
“Winning and losing are part of the game,” Mirza said. “The defeat against the USA is now past and behind us.”
The 2009 T20 World Cup champions narrowly avoided another upset in their opening match against the Netherlands, where they required 29 runs in the final two overs. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf’s late hitting rescued Pakistan from a potentially disastrous start.
Qualification Pressure in Group A
Pakistan cannot afford further slip-ups if they hope to qualify for the Super Eight stage as one of the top two teams in Group A. A loss to the USA previously resulted in Pakistan’s group-stage exit, a scenario they are desperate to avoid this time.
Mirza acknowledged the growing competitiveness of associate nations.
“In this format, no team is small or big,” he said. “So far, all matches have been close.”
Possible Team Changes
Pakistan may consider bringing back experienced batsman Fakhar Zaman, potentially replacing Babar Azam, who has faced criticism for slow scoring in recent matches.
As both teams chase a crucial win, today’s Pakistan vs USA T20 World Cup match promises intensity, pressure, and the possibility of another headline-making result.
