Faheem Ashraf produced a stunning late-innings sixes to rescue Pakistan from the brink of an embarrassing defeat against the Netherlands in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener. Chasing a target of 148 runs at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday, Pakistan were reeling at 119-7 before Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 from just 11 deliveries secured a three-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
The result provides Pakistan with two crucial points in Group A, though the narrow margin of victory raises questions about their middle-order stability ahead of tougher fixtures.
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After opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s seamers performed efficiently to dismiss the Netherlands for 147 in 19.5 overs. However, the Dutch side proved they were not behind in bowling performance, defending a 147 target, the Netherlands’ bowling attack utilised the pitch conditions and breaks backbone of the Pakistani batsmen.
Summary Scorecard
Netherlands: 147 all out (19.5 overs)
Pakistan: 148/7 (19.3 overs)
Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets
Player of the Match: Faheem Ashraf (25* off 9 balls)
