ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: Pakistan vs USA Predicted Playing XI for Group A Clash

Pakistan and the United States will square off in their Group A clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the SSC Cricket Ground on Tuesday, February 9. 

Pakistan entered the contest with momentum after beating the Netherlands, albeit in a close contest. The match was nearly gone until Faheem Ashraf played an innings of a lifetime to bail his team out of a difficult position. 

On the other hand, the USA will take confidence from their competitive showing against India. They demolished the much-hyped Indian batting line-up in a spirited bowling show and dominated the contest until Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav put on a clinical show with the bat. 

Both the team are in need of a win and the match promises to be an exciting contest. Whoever wins the contest will gain advantage and it will also increase that team’s chances of reaching the super-8 significantly. 

Also check: T20 World Cup 2026 Match 11: NZ vs UAE Predicted Playing XI

Here are the Pakistan vs USA Predicted Playing XI for the T20 World Cup 2026 Group A clash:

Predicted Pakistan Playing XI

Top Order: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan

Pakistan are likely to persist with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, who were backed in the opening fixture. Both bring intent and fluency during the powerplay, and can hit the ball cleanly. 

Middle Order: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan(wk)

Babar Azam remains the anchor, while skipper Salman Ali Agha offers calm leadership and adaptability. After his failure in the opening fixture, the pressure will be on Babar to deliver against USA, while Usman Khan would also want to contribute with the bat. 

Lower Order: Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz

Faheem Ashraf adds seam-bowling depth and lower-order hitting, as was seen against the Netherlands in Pakistan’s opening fixture, whereas Mohammad Nawaz provides balance with his left-arm spin. 

Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan’s attack is led by the experienced Shaheen Afridi, with Salman Mirza offering additional left-arm pace to the bowling arsenal. Abrar Ahmed is the sole specialist leg-spinner in Pakistan’s side, and he will control the middle overs with spin.

Pakistan’s predicted Playing XI:

Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan(wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed. 

Predicted USA Playing XI

Top Order: Andries Gous (WK), Saiteja Mukkamalla

The USA opened with Andries Gous and Saiteja Mukkamalla against India, and the pair is expected to continue. Mukkamalla’s intent at the top adds much-needed aggression. The pair will be eager to come good after a flop show against India. 

Middle Order: Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Sanjay Krishnamurthy 

Captain Monank Patel will once again anchor the innings. Milind Kumar and Shubham Ranjane provide stability, while Aaron Jones’ experience and finishing ability strengthen the middle order.

Lower Order: Harmeet Singh, Mohammed Mohsin 

Harmeet Singh contributes with both bat and left-arm spin, offering flexibility depending on match situations, whereas Mohsin adds variety with his leg-spin. He had a decent outing against India during the opening fixture. 

Bowlers: Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan/Jasdeep Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk 

The USA bowling attack is set to remain unchanged, with Saurabh Netravalkar leading the unit. Ali Khan’s pace will be additional help, but his place depends on if he has recovered from the injury scare he had against India. Shadley van Schalkwyk’s variations and discipline round off a balanced attack. If Ali Khan is not fit to play, Jasdeep Singh might get the nod. 

USA’s predicted Playing XI:

Andries Gous (wk), Saiteja Mukkamalla, Monank Patel (c), Milind Kumar, Shubham Ranjane, Aaron Jones, Harmeet Singh, Mohammed Mohsin, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan/Jasdeep Singh, Shadley van Schalkwyk

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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