New Delhi: USA fast bowler Shadley van Schalkwyk has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, delivering yet another sensational spell — this time against Pakistan. Despite USA’s defeat, the 37-year-old pacer produced a memorable performance, dismantling Pakistan’s batting line-up and scripting a remarkable World Cup record.
The match between Pakistan and USA was played on February 10 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, where Pakistan defeated USA by 32 runs. However, van Schalkwyk’s brilliant bowling stood out as the highlight of the contest.
Four Wickets Against Pakistan After a Similar Spell vs India
Van Schalkwyk had already impressed cricket fans in USA’s opening match against India, where he picked up four wickets. Continuing his dream run, he repeated the feat against Pakistan as well, taking four wickets once again.
With this, the experienced pacer now has eight wickets in just two matches, making him the leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
Interestingly, just like he took three wickets in a single over against India, van Schalkwyk also struck twice in one over against Pakistan, putting immense pressure on the batting side.
Historic Feat at the Age of 37
At 37 years of age, Shadley van Schalkwyk has now created history by becoming only the second player in T20 World Cup history to take four or more wickets in two consecutive matches.
The only other bowler to achieve this milestone was Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi, who accomplished it during the T20 World Cup 2024, taking four wickets each against Uganda and New Zealand.
Against Pakistan, van Schalkwyk dismissed Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Faheem Ashraf, delivering a match-defining spell despite the final result not going in USA’s favour.
USA Still Falls Short
Even after his heroic effort, USA could not chase down Pakistan’s total and eventually suffered a 32-run defeat, marking their second consecutive loss in the tournament.
Who is Shadley van Schalkwyk?
Born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1988, Shadley van Schalkwyk now represents the United States in international cricket. He made his ODI and T20 debut for USA in 2024.
So far, he has played 13 ODIs and 16 T20Is for the USA. His career figures include:
- 17 wickets in ODIs
- 23 wickets in T20Is
In the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, he is currently the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, proving that age is no barrier when experience meets skill and determination.
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