Special dinner for Team India at Gautam Gambhir’s house in Delhi | T20 World Cup
The United States announced their arrival on the global stage during their first appearance at the 2024 World Cup 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 take the match into the Super Over.Pakistan then faltered under pressure as senior pacer Mohammad Amir bowled three wides in the Super Over to concede 18 runs. Pakistan could only manage 13 for one in reply, giving the USA a famous victory.Heading into the clash in Colombo, the Americans will be eager to bounce back from their opening tournament loss to India and will see this fixture as an opportunity to repeat their heroics against Pakistan.Pakistan, meanwhile, narrowly escaped in their opening match against the Netherlands on Saturday. The 2009 champions were on the verge of another upset, needing 29 runs from the last two overs before Faheem Ashraf’s late strike turned the game in their favour.With only the top two teams from Group A progressing to the Super Eight stage, Pakistan cannot afford another stumble – especially after not featuring in their February 15 match against India. Defeat to the USA, like in 2024, could again derail their World Cup campaign in the group stage.