The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is officially in high gear and tonight brings one of the most anticipated rematches in recent cricket history. At 7pm today, Pakistan will take on the United States of America at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. This Group A clash is more than just a regular fixture for the Pakistan national team; it is a chance to settle a score that has haunted them since the previous edition of the tournament.

The Historic Rivalry and Quest for Revenge

The primary storyline entering this match is the memory of the 2024 T20 World Cup. In a result that sent shockwaves through the sporting world, the USA pulled off a stunning Super Over victory against Pakistan in Dallas. That defeat played a significant role in Pakistan’s early exit from that tournament. Now, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, the Men in Green are looking to exorcise those ghosts and prove that the previous result was a one-off anomaly.

Pakistan enters this contest with some momentum after a hard fought win against the Netherlands in their opening game. While they secured the points, the narrow three wicket margin suggested that the middle order still has questions to answer. For the USA, today is an opportunity to prove they belong among the elite. After giving the defending champions India a massive scare in their first game, Monank Patel and his squad are playing with a fearless brand of cricket that makes them dangerous under the lights.

Venue Insights and Pitch Conditions

The Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo is a venue known for its unique characteristics. Traditionally, this pitch has favored spinners, and with the match being played in the evening, the dew factor might come into play during the second innings. Historically, the average first innings score here hovers around 145 to 155 runs, suggesting that a total of 170 could be a winning score.

Bowlers like Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan will be crucial for Pakistan on this surface. On the other side, Saurabh Netravalkar remains the primary threat for the USA. His left arm swing was the undoing of many top order batters in 2024, and he will be looking to repeat that performance tonight. The toss will be vital, as chasing teams often find it slightly easier to navigate the conditions once the sun goes down.

Key Players to Watch Tonight

All eyes will be on Babar Azam as he seeks to regain his signature form. Despite recent scrutiny, he remains the anchor of the Pakistani batting lineup. Alongside him, Saim Ayub provides the explosive starts that Pakistan needs to put pressure on the associate nation early on.

For the United States, Monank Patel and Andries Gous are the pillars of the batting department. Their ability to handle high pace from the likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will determine if the USA can post or chase a competitive total. Harmeet Singh’s left arm spin will also be a major factor in the middle overs to keep the Pakistani scoring rate in check.

Match Timing and Where to Watch

The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST (local time in Sri Lanka). Fans in the subcontinent can catch the live action on the Star Sports Network or stream it via the JioHotstar app. In other regions, Al Jazeera Sport and local broadcast partners will be providing live coverage.

Final Thoughts and Prediction

While Pakistan is the favorite on paper due to their vast experience and world class pace attack, the USA has shown they are no longer underdogs to be taken lightly. If the USA bowlers can pick up early wickets as they did against India, we could be in for another nail biting finish. However, Pakistan’s desperation for revenge might just give them the edge they need to secure their second consecutive win of the tournament.