Pakistan began their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling victory over the Netherlands, winning by three wickets at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. Chasing a target of 148, the Men in Green managed to reach 147 for 7 in the final over, completing a tense and closely fought match.
Pakistan started aggressively with openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan providing a fast start. Saim scored 24 off 13 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before spinner Aryan Dutt broke the opening partnership. Farhan continued to keep the momentum, and alongside captain Salman Ali Agha, helped the team reach 53-2 in just 4.5 overs. However, Salman was dismissed for 12, and later, Babar Azam steadied the innings, scoring 47 off 31 balls before being removed by Roelof van der Merwe. Usman Khan was also dismissed cheaply, leaving Pakistan at 98-4 in 11.1 overs.
The middle overs slowed, with wickets falling at crucial moments, including Mohammad Nawaz (6) and Shadab Khan (8), keeping the match intensely competitive. In the final stages, Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi held their nerve. Faheem’s unbeaten 29 off 11 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes, turned the match in Pakistan’s favor and sealed a memorable win.
Earlier, the Netherlands had a bright start, with Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd scoring quickly. Pakistan’s bowlers fought back with early breakthroughs by Salman Mirza, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Saim Ayub. Shaheen Afridi and Mirza cleaned up in the final overs, restricting the Dutch side to 147 all out. Mirza finished with 3 wickets for 24, while Nawaz, Abrar, and Saim each took two scalps.
This gripping opener highlighted Pakistan’s resilience and ability to hold their nerve under pressure, setting an exciting tone for their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign.
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