'We’ll have the upper hand' - USA's Ali Khan confident of beating Pakistan at T20 World Cup 2026 [Exclusive]

USA fast bowler Ali Khan has expressed strong confidence ahead of his team's clash against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup 2026, saying the Americans will have the upper hand when the two teams meet again. Khan’s belief comes from the USA having already scripted one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by defeating Pakistan in a dramatic Super Over during the 2024 edition.

Now, with the 2026 World Cup weeks away, Khan believes that victory has given the USA a genuine belief. However, the Pakistan-origin pacer recently revealed that he faced passport and visa-related issues ahead of the tournament, raising doubts over his participation. While the matter is expected to be resolved with ICC assistance.

The 35-year-old also took part in a 'Rapid Fire' contest and a 'One word, one cricketer' segment during the same exclusive chat. During the 'Rapid Fire' round, Khan picked bowling to Virat Kohli instead of Rohit Sharma. In the same section, he expressed his preference for Kohli's cover drive over Pakistan's Babar Azam's. Furthermore, during the 'One word, one cricketer' segment, he labelled himself as a fighter. Take a look at all the answers given by the pacer:

Excerpts

The USA stunned Pakistan to seal second place in Group A at the 2024 World Cup. Both sides are slotted in the same group again. Do you think the USA can defeat Pakistan again?

We are definitely capable of beating any side. Especially coming off a win against them in the last World Cup, I think we will have an upper hand when we play against them again here in Colombo in the World Cup. Our boys are really confident, and if we stick to our plans and give 100%, we can beat any side in the World Cup.

Rapid Fire (This or That):

Babar Azam's cover Drive or Virat Kohli's cover Drive -  Virat Kohli’s cover drive

Yorker at the death or Slower ball surprise - Yorker anyday

Defending 10 in the last over or taking a wicket on the first ball - Defending 10 in the last over

Bowling to Virat Kohli or Bowling to Rohit Sharma - Virat Kohli

Wicket of Andre Russell or Wicket of MS Dhoni - MS Dhoni

Death overs specialist or New-ball wicket taker - Death overs specialist

Calm Ali Khan or Aggressive Ali Khan celebration - Aggressive

Night match under lights or Day match with swing - Night match 

Segment: 'One Word, One Cricketer'

Fearless - Virat Kohli

Stylish - Hardik Pandya

Underrated - Naseem Shah

Speed - Shoaib Akhtar

Calm - MS Dhoni

Genius - Dwayne Bravo

Magician - Sunil Narine 

Fighter - Ali Khan

Clutch - Andre Russell

Golden Arm - Rashid Khan

Leader - Dwayne Bravo