Pakistan Edge Past Netherlands by 3 Wickets in ICC T20 World Cup

COLOMBO: Pakistan kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a dramatic three-wicket victory over the Netherlands, thanks to a sensational late onslaught by Faheem Ashraf.

Chasing a target of 148 in Colombo, Pakistan had a shaky start as Saim Ayub was dismissed for a quick 24 off 13 balls, hitting four fours and a six. Captain Salman Ali Agha followed soon after, scoring 12 runs, while Sahibzada Farhan made 46 before getting out. Pakistan then suffered a collapse as Usman Khan was bowled for a duck and Babar Azam was caught soon after, leaving the team under serious pressure.

Pakistan opens ICC T20 World Cup 2026 vs Netherlands

Mohammad Nawaz (6) and Shadab Khan (8) also failed to stabilize the innings, and Pakistan were seven wickets down with the target still in sight. At that crucial moment, Faheem Ashraf turned the game around with a blistering knock of 29 off just 9 balls, smashing three sixes and two fours to guide Pakistan to their first World Cup win.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to field first. Netherlands openers Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd gave their side a steady start, adding 28 runs. O’Dowd was dismissed for 5, while Levitt scored 24. Colin Ackermann (20), Bas de Leede (30), and captain Scott Edwards (37) contributed useful runs as the Dutch looked set for a total between 160 and 170.

However, Pakistan’s bowlers staged a strong comeback, claiming the final six wickets for just 20 runs and bowling out the Netherlands for 147. Salman Mirza led the attack with three wickets, while Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets each. Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one wicket.

Despite a competitive batting effort by the Netherlands, Pakistan’s late bowling surge and Faheem Ashraf’s explosive finish sealed a memorable win in the tournament opener.