Recalling past events, the United States warned Pakistan

The United States have once again invoked the memory of their stunning triumph over Pakistan at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as the two sides prepare to meet in Colombo in Group A of the ongoing tournament. That historic night in Dallas remains a defining moment in American cricket—and, judging by recent comments from the USA camp, it continues to fuel belief and ambition.

At the Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Dallas during the 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan appeared to have done enough after posting 159 for 7 batting first. The USA, however, matched that total in regulation overs, forcing the match into a Super Over. What followed was one of the tournament’s greatest upsets: the Americans scored 18 for 1 in the Super Over and then restricted Pakistan to just 13 runs, sealing an extraordinary victory that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

Now, as co-hosts of the 2024 tournament, the USA find themselves once again facing Pakistan—this time in Colombo. Pakistan began their Group A campaign with a 29-run defeat to India and are keen to regroup quickly. Yet the conversation ahead of this fixture has inevitably drifted back to that unforgettable Dallas encounter, which continues to loom large in the narrative of this rivalry.

USA all-rounder Mohammad Mohsin has been particularly vocal about drawing confidence from that win. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Mohsin said his side were focusing on the positives from their recent performances, including lessons learned despite defeat against India. “It was a tough match, especially how things unfolded after the first 15 overs,” he explained. “But we are concentrating on the positives from that game and on our previous win against Pakistan.”

Born in Peshawar, Mohsin believes familiarity with Pakistani players gives the USA a subtle edge. Having moved to the United States five years ago, he has witnessed first-hand the rapid growth of American cricket. “Compared to two years ago, this team is far more skilled and confident,” he noted. “Many of us have played with or against Pakistani cricketers before, and that experience helps us prepare better.”

Despite being labelled underdogs, Mohsin stressed that the USA are playing without fear. “We have nothing to lose. We are enjoying this journey, and the way it has started is exciting. A win tomorrow would make it even more special.”

Pakistan, however, are keen to consign the Dallas defeat to history. Fast bowler Salman Mirza described the Super Over loss as “firmly in the past”, insisting it would have no bearing on the Colombo clash. Still, he acknowledged the competitive nature of the modern T20 format. “Every match has been closely contested so far,” Mirza said. “In this format, there are no small or big teams—any side can be dangerous.”

Key Reference: USA vs Pakistan, 2024 T20 World Cup

As the teams meet again, Pakistan seek redemption, while the USA aim to prove that Dallas was no one-off. The stage in Colombo is set for another compelling chapter in this unlikely but growing rivalry.