The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 ignited the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo this Tuesday, February 10, as Pakistan and USA faced off in a high-stakes Group A encounter. While Pakistan set a daunting target, the highlight of the first innings was an extraordinary display of athleticism by American fielder Milind Kumar, whose breathtaking catch sent a well-set Babar Azam back to the pavilion, just four runs short of a half-century.

Milind Kumar’s spectacular diving catch halts Babar Azam’s charge against USA

The momentum was firmly in Pakistan’s favor during the 15th over when Babar looked poised to unleash a late-innings assault. Facing leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin, Babar attempted to exploit a shorter delivery, looking to drag the ball forcefully into the leg side. However, the former captain didn’t quite get the middle of the bat, resulting in a slight top edge that sent the ball soaring toward the long-on boundary.

What looked like a safe landing zone or a potential boundary was quickly closed down by Milind. Sprinting in with lightning speed from the rope, Milind judged the swirling ball to perfection. In a moment of pure T20 magic, he threw himself forward in a full-length dive, clutching the ball inches above the grass as he tumbled across the turf.

The dismissal (46 off 32 balls) was a massive blow for Pakistan, as Babar had struck four boundaries and a six at a strike rate of 143.75. The catch not only denied Babar a landmark fifty but also provided the USA with a vital breakthrough just as the “Green Shirts” were looking to shift into sixth gear.

Here’s the video:

BIG WICKET FOR USA! ☝️

Looking to up the scoring rate, Babar Azam finds the fielder on the boundary!

What total will the USA restrict Pakistan to? 👀

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #PAKvUSA | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/97PRnnpgoP pic.twitter.com/z411ZtaYGB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 10, 2026

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Pakistan posts formidable total despite late wicket cluster

Despite the brilliance in the field by the Americans, Pakistan managed to post a robust total of 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was characterized by a blistering start and a chaotic finish. Sahibzada Farhan was the standout performer for Pakistan, smashing a rapid 73 off 41 balls, including four towering sixes. His partnership with Babar stabilized the innings after the early departures of Saim Ayub and Salman Agha.

USA’s disciplined bowling in the final stretch, including two run-outs in the last over involving Saurabh Netravalkar and wicketkeeper Andries Gous, prevented Pakistan from crossing the 200-mark. However, with a current run rate requirement of 9.55, the USA faces a steep climb.

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