Kamal Ghorui
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Asif has sounded a strong note of caution for the national side ahead of their T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against the United States, scheduled for Tuesday at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The match will be the second World Cup meeting between the two teams, and Asif believes Pakistan could once again find themselves on the wrong side of the result.“Jis tarah ki situation chal rahi hai, us hisaab se US phir se Pakistan ko beat kar dega. 2026 T20 World Cup mein bhi ye possible lag raha hai. 2026 ke T20 World Cup mein US Pakistan ko dobara hara dega. Guarantee,” Asif said.
The United States had announced their arrival on the global stage during their maiden World Cup appearance in the 2024 edition, when they stunned Pakistan in a dramatic contest. Chasing a modest target, USA needed 15 runs off the final over, with Haris Rauf conceding 14 to push the match into a Super Over.Pakistan then faltered under pressure as senior pacer Mohammad Amir delivered three wides in the Super Over and leaked 18 runs. Pakistan could manage only 13 for one in response, handing USA a famous victory.Coming into the Colombo clash, the Americans will be eager to bounce back after losing their tournament opener to India and will view this fixture as an opportunity to repeat their heroics against Pakistan.Pakistan, meanwhile, had a narrow escape in their opening game against the Netherlands on Saturday. The 2009 champions were on the brink of another upset, needing 29 runs from the final two overs before Faheem Ashraf’s late assault turned the match in their favour.With only the top two teams from Group A advancing to the Super Eight stage, Pakistan cannot afford further stumbles—especially after opting out of their February 15 fixture against India. A defeat to the USA, as in 2024, could once again derail their World Cup campaign at the group stage.
