Pakistan opened their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey with a tense but satisfying win over the Netherlands in today’s Group A clash. It wasn’t an easy night for the men in green, but they showed composure in the crucial moments to get over the line and start their campaign on a positive note.
Pakistan Choose to Bowl First
After winning the toss, Pakistan decided to field first, hoping to make early inroads with the new ball. The decision paid off as the bowlers kept things tight from the start, not allowing the Netherlands batters to settle easily.
Despite a few resistance partnerships, the Dutch side struggled to find momentum and were eventually bowled out for 147 runs in 19.5 overs.
Netherlands Put Up a Fight
The Netherlands showed good intent with the bat and didn’t go down without a fight. Their middle order played sensibly, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries whenever possible.
However, regular wickets meant they couldn’t launch a full-scale attack at the death, and Pakistan’s disciplined bowling effort ensured the target stayed within reach.
A Tricky Chase for Pakistan
Chasing 148, Pakistan’s innings never felt completely comfortable. Early wickets brought some pressure, and the Netherlands bowlers kept testing the batters with clever variations.
Just when the game seemed to slip into a tight corner, Faheem Ashraf stepped up. His calm presence and timely boundaries shifted the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor and took the pressure off the remaining batters.
Pakistan eventually crossed the line in 19.3 overs, winning the match by three wickets.
Faheem Ashraf Shines When It Matters
⭐ Player of the Match: Faheem Ashraf
Faheem Ashraf once again proved his value as a reliable all-rounder. His late contribution with the bat came at a crucial time and played a big role in guiding Pakistan to victory in a tense finish.
Match Summary
- Netherlands: 147 all out (19.5 overs)
- Pakistan: 148/7 (19.3 overs)
- Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets
- Venue: Colombo
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Final Thoughts
It may not have been a perfect performance, but it was a professional and composed win for Pakistan. The match highlighted the importance of experience and calm decision-making in pressure situations, while the Netherlands earned respect for their fighting spirit.
Pakistan will now look to build on this result as the tournament progresses, while the Netherlands will take confidence from a competitive performance despite the loss.
Click here for more
