COLOMBO — The ghost of Dallas 2024 looms large over the R. Premadasa Stadium as Pakistan prepares to face the USA on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. For Pakistan, this is more than just a Group A fixture; it is a chance to exorcise the demons of the previous edition, where a Super Over loss to the Americans effectively ended their World Cup campaign and altered the course of their cricketing leadership.
With Salman Ali Agha now at the helm, Pakistan enters the game as favorites but remains under intense scrutiny after a narrow, “nervy” escape against the Netherlands in their opener.
1. “Mind Games”: USA Claims the Psychological Edge
USA’s spin-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Mohsin was vocal during the pre-match press conference on Monday, making it clear that his team is playing with “house money.”
- No Pressure: “Anyway, we don’t have anything to lose in this World Cup. We are just enjoying our journey,” Mohsin told reporters.
- The Rematch Factor: Mohsin emphasized that the 2024 victory wasn’t a fluke and that the current squad is even more “skilful” than the one that beat Babar Azam’s side two years ago.
- Confidence from India Game: Despite a 29-run loss to India, the USA’s ability to reduce the defending champions to 77/6 has bolstered their bowling unit’s morale.
2. Pakistan’s “Wobble” Concerns
While Pakistan secured two points against the Netherlands, the manner of their victory raised red flags:
- Middle-Order Collapse: Chasing a modest 148, Pakistan’s middle order faltered, requiring a “blinder” from Faheem Ashraf to secure a three-wicket win with just three balls to spare.
- Captaincy Debut: Salman Ali Agha is still finding his footing as leader. His tactical decisions during the middle-over “wobble” will be tested by a disciplined USA bowling attack.
- Off-Field Distractions: The team received clearance to play the high-voltage India match (Feb 15) only on the eve of this contest, following a week of “U-turn” diplomacy between the PCB and the Pakistan government.
3. Key Matchups to Watch
| Battle | The Context |
| Monank Patel vs. Shaheen Afridi | Patel’s aggressive start was key in 2024; Afridi needs early wickets to settle Pakistani nerves. |
| Saurabh Netravalkar vs. Babar Azam | Netravalkar, the hero of the last Super Over, will once again target Babar’s early-innings vulnerability. |
| Mohammad Mohsin vs. Salman Ali Agha | A battle of the all-rounders in the middle overs that could dictate the NRR (Net Run Rate). |
4. Tournament Standings: Group A
A win for the USA would throw Group A into total chaos, while a win for Pakistan would virtually guarantee them a spot in the Super 8s alongside India.
- Pakistan: 1 Match, 1 Win (2 Points)
- USA: 1 Match, 1 Loss (0 Points)
- Next for Pakistan: India (Feb 15)
- Next for USA: Netherlands (Feb 13)