Colombo, February 7, 2026: In a heart-stopping opener of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan managed to pull off a dramatic 3-wicket victory against a spirited Netherlands side. While the match seemed to be slipping away from the Men in Green, a combination of a costly dropped catch and Faheem Ashraf’s explosive finishing ensured Pakistan avoided a historic embarrassment.
Chasing a modest target of 148, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 114/7. With 29 runs needed off the final 12 balls, the pressure was immense. The game changed on the second ball of the 19th over, bowled by Logan van Beek.
Faheem Ashraf mistimed a shot toward long-on, where Max O’Dowd—usually a reliable fielder—spilled a regulation catch. Seizing the life-line, Faheem went on a rampage, smashing three sixes and a boundary in the remainder of the over. The 24-run over effectively broke the Dutch spirit and tilted the scales in Pakistan’s favor.
Pakistan’s chase started strongly with Sahibzada Farhan (47 off 31 balls) and Saim Ayub (24) providing a solid platform. However, the middle order suffered a familiar collapse. Star batter Babar Azam was dismissed for just 15, and the Netherlands’ spinners, led by Aryan Dutt, strangled the scoring rate. From 80/1, Pakistan crumbled to 114/7, staring at a shock defeat before Faheem’s late-order heroics.
Earlier in the day, after being put in to bat, the Netherlands struggled to post a massive total against a disciplined Pakistani attack, finishing at 147 all out. Captain Scott Edwards (37) and Bas de Leede (30) provided some resistance, but the pace of Salman Mirza proved too hot to handle. Mirza finished with impressive figures of 3/24, dismantling the Dutch tail.
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
| Netherlands | 147 All Out (19.5 Overs) | Scott Edwards (37), Salman Mirza (3/24) |
| Pakistan | 148/7 (19.3 Overs) | Sahibzada Farhan (47), Faheem Ashraf (29* off 11) |
Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets.
Player of the Match: Faheem Ashraf for his game-changing 29* and nerves of steel.
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