In a pulsating start to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground, Pakistan defeated the Netherlands by 3 wickets, chasing down the 148-run target set by the Dutch side.
The Netherlands were bundled out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs, despite a solid start from Michael Loot and Max Oudwoud, who put together a 28-run opening partnership.
Oudwoud was the first to fall for 5 runs, dismissed by Salman Mirza, followed by Loot, who scored 24 before being sent back by Mohammad Nawaz. Captain Scott Edwards contributed 37, while Bas de Leede added 30, but Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly the spinners, executed their plans brilliantly to restrict the visitors.
Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren claimed two wickets each, and Salman Mirza took three scalps. Abrar Ahmed impressed with 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs.
Chasing the target, Pakistan’s innings was anchored by a match-winning 29 runs off just 11 balls by Faheem Ashraf, who struck three sixes and a four in a single over to turn the game decisively in Pakistan’s favor. Sahibzada Farhan contributed 47 runs, while Babar Azam managed 15 off 18 balls.
Other contributions came from Salman Ali Agha (12) and Saim Ayub (24), helping the Green Shirts reach the target with strategic precision.
Faheem Ashraf was deservedly named Player of the Match, reflecting on his performance by saying, “I’ve been playing like this for a year. Whenever a task is assigned, I try to give my best. Keeping calm under pressure is crucial, and this situation is something we’ve faced before.”
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha praised his team’s overall effort, noting, “We bowled well even though wickets fell early. Our spinners have been performing consistently over the last six months. In the first 10 overs, the batters played exceptionally well, and Faheem Ashraf’s innings was outstanding.”
The ICC T20 World Cup features 20 teams divided into four groups, with three high-stakes matches on the opening day alone. Pakistan’s disciplined preparation, rigorous practice sessions, and tactical execution ensured a confident start to their campaign.
Elsewhere, the day’s action saw West Indies face Scotland and India take on the United States, marking a thrilling commencement to the global tournament.
Pakistan Playing XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed.
Netherlands Playing XI: Michael Levitt, Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Colin Ackermann, Scott Edwards (c, wk), Zach Lion Cachet, Logan van Beek, Roelof van der Merwe, Aryan Dutt, Kyle Klein, Paul van Meekeren.
