Pakistan secured revenge for its upset loss to the United States two years ago with a 32-run win at the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, while New Zealand openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen set a new record for the highest partnership in the tournament’s history.
In Colombo, Pakistan registered its second straight victory in Group A by defeating the U.S., which had stunned it in Texas in 2024. The win comes ahead of Pakistan’s much-anticipated clash with India on Sunday, a match set to proceed after Pakistan withdrew its earlier boycott decision.
After being sent in to bat, Pakistan posted 190-9, powered by 73 from opener Sahibzada Farhan and 46 from Babar Azam. Despite fast bowler Shadley van Schalwyk claiming four wickets for the second time in the tournament, Pakistan built a strong total. Babar overcame a slow start, scoring 15 off 18 balls before accelerating to finish at a strike rate of 143.75.
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The U.S. struggled against Pakistan’s spin attack under lights at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq took 3-27, while Shadab Khan claimed 2-26. Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed also picked up wickets as Pakistan used five spinners effectively.
Shubham Ranjane scored 51 off 30 balls and Shayan Jahangir made 49 off 34, but the U.S. failed to build momentum. Tariq’s unusual bowling action troubled batters as he dismissed Harmeet Singh and Mohsin Ali off consecutive deliveries. The U.S. finished short, handing Pakistan a comfortable win.
Meanwhile in Chennai, New Zealand cruised to a 10-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates after Seifert and Allen shared an unbeaten 175-run opening stand, the highest partnership for any wicket in men’s T20 World Cup history.
Seifert struck 89 not out off 42 balls, following up his earlier half-century against Afghanistan. Allen remained unbeaten on 84 from 50 deliveries. New Zealand chased down UAE’s 173-6 in just 15.2 overs, reaching 175-0 for its second successive win in Group D.
Earlier, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem made 66 not out off 45 balls and Alishan Sharafu added 55 as the team posted a competitive total. However, New Zealand’s aggressive start, including 78 runs in the power play, put the game beyond UAE’s reach.
Seifert hit 12 fours and three sixes, including the winning shot, while Allen contributed five fours and five sixes. The previous tournament record of 170 runs was set by England’s Alex Hales and Jos Buttler against India in 2022.
In New Delhi, Bas de Leede delivered an all-round performance to guide the Netherlands to a seven-wicket win over Namibia in Group A. De Leede took 2-20 as Namibia scored 156-8. He then scored an unbeaten 72 off 48 balls, hitting four sixes and five boundaries, to help the Dutch reach 159-3 in 18 overs and secure their first victory of the tournament.