COLOMBO, Feb 11 (V7N) — Pakistan avenged its shock loss to the United States two years ago with a commanding 32-run victory in the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, while New Zealand’s openers rewrote the record books with the highest partnership in tournament history.

Pakistan registered its second consecutive win in Group A by defeating the U.S., which had stunned them in Texas in 2024. The victory comes just days before Pakistan’s highly anticipated clash against India on Sunday, set to go ahead after Pakistan withdrew its earlier boycott decision.

After being put in to bat, Pakistan posted a competitive 190-9. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the charge with 73, while captain Babar Azam added 46. Babar overcame a cautious start — scoring 15 off 18 balls — before accelerating to finish with a strike rate of 143.75.

U.S. pacer Shadley van Schalwyk impressed again, claiming four wickets for the second time in the tournament, but Pakistan’s strong middle-order contributions ensured a challenging total.

Under lights at the Sinhalese Sports Club, the U.S. struggled against Pakistan’s spin-heavy attack. Mystery spinner Usman Tariq returned figures of 3-27, while Shadab Khan took 2-26. Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed also chipped in as Pakistan effectively deployed five spinners.

Despite fighting knocks from Shubham Ranjane (51 off 30) and Shayan Jahangir (49 off 34), the U.S. failed to build sustained momentum. Tariq’s unusual action caused problems, dismissing Harmeet Singh and Mohsin Ali in successive deliveries. The U.S. fell short, handing Pakistan a comfortable win.

Meanwhile in Chennai, New Zealand cruised to a dominant 10-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates, thanks to a record-breaking opening partnership.

Tim Seifert (89 off 42)* and Finn Allen (84 off 50)* shared an unbeaten 175-run stand, the highest partnership for any wicket in men’s T20 World Cup history. New Zealand chased down UAE’s 173-6 in just 15.2 overs, reaching 175-0 for its second straight win in Group D.

Earlier, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem scored 66 not out off 45 balls, while Alishan Sharafu added 55 to guide the team to a competitive total. However, New Zealand’s explosive start — including 78 runs in the powerplay — left UAE with little chance.

Seifert struck 12 fours and three sixes, including the winning shot, while Allen smashed 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 produced an impressive all-round display to guide the Netherlands to a seven-wicket victory over Namibia in Group A.

De Leede claimed 2-20 as Namibia posted 156-8. He then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 72 off 48 balls, hitting four sixes and five boundaries, as the Dutch reached 159-3 in 18 overs to seal their first win of the tournament.

The results tightened competition in both Group A and Group D, with several key clashes still to come in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

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