All-Rounder’s Cameo Seals Victory After Dramatic Middle-Order Collapse
Faheem Ashraf played a match-winning cameo as Pakistan narrowly defeated a spirited Netherlands side by three wickets in a nerve-shredding opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in Colombo on Saturday. Chasing a modest 148, Pakistan’s innings derailed from a commanding position before Ashraf’s late fireworks secured victory with three balls to spare.
The Dramatic Chase
Pakistan’s pursuit began briskly, reaching 98-2 in the 11th over with Sahibzada Farhan (47 off 29) and Babar Azam at the crease. However, a stunning collapse saw the Green Shirts lose five wickets for just 16 runs, slumping to 114-7 in the 16th over. The Netherlands, led by Paul van Meekeren’s double-wicket maiden, were firmly in control.
With 29 needed from the final two overs, Faheem Ashraf, batting at number eight, launched a brutal assault on bowler Logan van Beek. The left-hander smashed 22 runs in the penultimate over, hitting three sixes and a boundary. He finished unbeaten on 29 from just 11 deliveries, sealing the win with a four.
Bowlers Set Up the Chase
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers restricted the Netherlands to 147 all out in 19.5 overs after winning the toss. The Dutch openers started positively before Salman Mirza (3-24) made the initial breakthrough. Spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed took two wickets each, with part-timer Saim Ayub also claiming two crucial scalps.
The innings featured a moment of brilliant fielding, as Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi combined for a spectacular relay catch on the boundary to dismiss the dangerous Michael Levitt.
Key Performances
- Faheem Ashraf (PAK): 29* (11 balls), 3 sixes – Player of the Match
- Sahibzada Farhan (PAK): 47 (29 balls), 5 fours, 2 sixes
- Salman Mirza (PAK): 3 wickets for 24 runs
- Scott Edwards (NED): 37 (29 balls)
- Paul van Meekeren (NED): 2-12 in 4 overs
A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan
While the result brings two crucial points, the manner of victory will raise concerns for Pakistan’s campaign. The dramatic middle-order collapse against a disciplined Dutch attack exposed familiar frailties. The team will need greater consistency from its top order as the tournament progresses.
For the Netherlands, the performance was a testament to their growing stature in Associate cricket, pushing a full-member nation to the brink in a World Cup fixture. Their bowlers, particularly in the middle overs, executed their plans superbly and will take confidence into their remaining group matches.
The win gives Pakistan a positive start in Group A, but the narrow escape against a lower-ranked opponent serves as an early tournament warning.
