COLOMBO – Pakistan started their T20 World Cup journey with a hard-fought three-wicket victory over the Netherlands in their opening match at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Saturday.
Chasing a target of 148, Pakistan reached the target in 19.3 overs, losing seven wickets along the way, with Faheem Ashraf’s explosive knock playing a pivotal role in the team’s victory.
After a shaky start, with Pakistan reeling at 114/7, Faheem Ashraf stepped up to deliver a match-winning cameo. He scored a quick-fire 29 runs off 11 balls, including three sixes and two fours, guiding his team to the finish line. Shaheen Afridi remained not out on five runs as Pakistan secured the win.
Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer for Pakistan, making a composed 47 runs, while Saim Ayub contributed 24. Captain Salman Ali Agha made 12, and Babar Azam added 15. The middle order struggled, as Shadab Khan made only 8, while Mohammad Nawaz and Usman Khan failed to score.
For the Netherlands, off-spinner Aryan Dutt and Paul van Meekeren picked up two wickets each, while Logan van Beek, Vandermerve, and Kyle Klein took one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl, and the Netherlands were dismissed for 147 runs in 19.5 overs. Michael Leus top-scored with 24 runs, while the Netherlands captain Scott Edwards made 37. Other notable contributions came from Bas de Leede (30) and Colin Ackermann (20).
Pakistan’s bowlers were outstanding, with Salman Mirza taking 3 wickets. Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed picked up 2 wickets each, while Shaheen Shah Afridi added 1 to his tally.LAHORE – The stage is set, and excitement is palpable. Pakistan’s Green Shirts are ready to light up ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting this Saturday with high-stakes opener against Netherlands at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. But cricket fans will be on edge, as heavy rain looms, with over 80 percent chance of showers threatening to disrupt the thrilling start.
Captain Salman Ali Agha promised to field best possible combination for every match, and he’s clear: “If any senior player, including Babar Azam or Fakhar Zaman, doesn’t fit the combination, they will not play. We will do whatever is best for the team.” Fans will be looking to Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saeem Ayub to lead Pakistan’s charge. Other key players expected to shine include Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Nawaz, and Fakhar Zaman, whose experience remains invaluable despite recent form dips.
Men in Green enter T20 World Cup with mix of determination and strategy. Despite off-field controversies, Agha led squad is focused on delivering pure cricketing brilliance to thrill fans worldwide.
Underdog Netherlands will be led by Scott Edwards. Their squad boasts talents like Max O’Dowd, Bas de Leede, Logan van Beek, and Paul van Meekeren, a balanced mix of experience and youthful energy that could trouble the Green Shirts. The Dutch team has previously shocked bigger nations and will look to continue their giant-killing streak.
Pakistan must treat each match as do-or-die to reach the Super 12 stage, especially after boycotting their match against India. A victory against the Netherlands is crucial, followed by must-win clashes against USA on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. Even a rain-affected match against the Dutch side, giving each team a point, could leave Pakistan under pressure, making every run and wicket vital.
Such match promises no easy victories either, as the newcomers stunned Pakistan in the previous T20 World Cup. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed could emerge as Pakistan’s secret weapon, having been a consistent wicket-taker over the past year. Sri Lanka’s slow pitches may also favor his craft, giving Pakistan a strategic edge.
Colombo’s SSC pitch is generally batting-friendly. Early overs might aid fast bowlers, but as the innings progresses, batting becomes easier. First-innings totals typically range between 160–170 runs, meaning every wicket and every run could be decisive.
If Pakistan can navigate rain challenges and defeat US and Namibia, they could accumulate 5 points, with net run rate likely deciding who advances. It’s a tournament where strategy, skill, and nerves of steel will be tested from the very first ball.
Fans to get free entry as Pakistan take on Netherlands in T20 World Cup 2026 opener tomorrow
