Hassan Raza 
Pakistan 148/7 (Farhan 47, Faheem 29*, van Meekeren 2-20, Dutt 2-33) beat Netherlands 147 (Edwards 37, de Leede 30, Mirza 3-24, Ayub 2-7, Abrar 2-23, Nawaz 2-38) by three wickets
The T20 World Cup 2026 began with a dramatic contest in Colombo as Pakistan narrowly edged past a tenacious Netherlands side, clinching a three-wicket victory in a last-over thriller. Faheem Ashraf emerged as the unlikely hero, rescuing his team from a near-collapse with a breathtaking late assault, ensuring Pakistan started their campaign on a winning note despite a severe scare.
Pakistan’s Rollercoaster Chase
Chasing 148 for victory, Pakistan appeared in complete control at the halfway stage, requiring just 50 runs from the final nine overs with seven wickets in hand. However, what seemed a straightforward pursuit turned chaotic after Paul van Meekeren’s double-wicket maiden in the 12th over. Pakistan lost their composure, losing five wickets in just seven overs while the scoreboard stagnated.
Babar Azam, who had the opportunity to anchor the chase, faltered under pressure, holing out to Roelof van der Merwe after a string of dot balls. With only 21 runs added between the 12th and 19th overs, Pakistan’s confident start gave way to panic, and the prospect of another early World Cup exit loomed.
Faheem Ashraf’s Decisive Finish
With the game on a knife’s edge, Faheem Ashraf stepped up in the penultimate over. Logan van Beek’s first delivery was dispatched for six, but when Faheem miscued a slower ball to long-on, it looked as if the Dutch were back in the contest-until Max O’Dowd spilled the catch. Seizing the lifeline, Faheem unleashed two more sixes and a boundary, swinging momentum firmly back to Pakistan. He calmly saw his side home with three balls to spare, leaving the Netherlands to rue their missed opportunities.
Netherlands Set the Tone with Aggressive Batting
Opting to bat first under unexpectedly clear skies, the Netherlands took the attack to Pakistan from the outset. Michael Levitt’s authoritative boundary off the first ball set the tone, and the top order maintained an aggressive approach, amassing 79 runs in the first ten overs-their best start against Pakistan in T20Is. Valuable contributions from Levitt, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, and skipper Scott Edwards kept the Dutch scoreboard moving, as they looked to post a challenging total.
Pakistan’s Fielding Steps Up
One of the key moments of the innings came through a moment of brilliance in the field. Michael Levitt seemed poised for a big score, only for Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to combine for a stunning boundary catch, halting the Dutchman’s charge. For a side often criticized for its fielding, Pakistan delivered a near-flawless display, denying the Netherlands any easy runs and seizing crucial opportunities.
Collapse in the Death Overs
The Dutch innings, however, unraveled in the final four overs. After Edwards fell, the Netherlands lost their final six wickets for just 20 runs, unable to muster any late acceleration. Abrar Ahmed’s variations and Saim Ayub’s surprise over triggered the collapse, as Salman Mirza and Afridi wrapped up the tail, restricting the Netherlands to 147.
Pakistan’s Batting Wobbles Under Pressure
Pakistan’s reply began briskly, with Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan providing a rapid start. Farhan top-scored with 47, keeping the chase on track before the sudden collapse. The turning point came when the experienced van der Merwe pulled off a spectacular diving catch to dismiss Shadab Khan, sparking a stunning Dutch fightback. Usman Khan fell soon after, and Babar’s uncharacteristic dismissal compounded the pressure.
Runs dried up as the Dutch bowlers tightened their lines and the fielders maintained their intensity, leaving Pakistan’s middle order in disarray. The required rate ballooned from just over five to nearly fifteen per over, and the match seemed to slip away until Faheem’s late heroics reversed the tide.
Key Takeaways
- Faheem Ashraf delivered under extreme pressure, capitalizing on a Dutch fielding error to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
- Pakistan’s fielding showed marked improvement, with a crucial boundary catch highlighting a disciplined effort.
- The Netherlands impressed with their aggressive approach and fighting spirit, but a late collapse and missed chances cost them dearly.
- Pakistan will need to address batting nerves under pressure as the tournament progresses, while the Dutch can take encouragement from their performance despite the loss.
The World Cup opener set an exhilarating tone for the tournament, with Pakistan surviving a major scare thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s composure and power-hitting. Both teams will reflect on missed chances and moments of brilliance as they move forward in Group A.
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