Faheem’s late surge helps Pakistan sail past Netherlands

Pakistan kicked off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Sinhalese Sports Club’s ground in Colombo on a winning note as they overcame a spirited Netherlands by three wickets in 19.3 overs, with Faheem Ashraf smashing a sensational 29 not out off 11 balls.

In their pursuit of the 148-run target on a slow surface, Pakistan began their run chase dominatingly, smashing 61 runs for the loss of two wickets in the power play.

Opener Sahibzada Farhan looked in prime touch. He cracked 47 off 31, but his exit swung the pendulum the Dutch way.

Right-arm quick Paul van Meekeren produced a double-wicket maiden to turn the screws.

When Babar Azam perished in the next over, Pakistan were in trouble, having lost three wickets for two runs in the space of 10 deliveries. With the chase wobbling, Faheem stitched a priceless, unbroken 34-run stand for the eighth wicket with Shaheen Afridi to steady the ship and keep Pakistan afloat.

The all-rounder smashed three sixes in the 19th over. He was dropped in the deep by Max O'Dowd, then completed the chase with three balls to spare.

First Innings

Earlier, the Netherlands showed plenty of flair after being put into bat by Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha.

While batting, they were in a good position at 127-4 with four overs to go, but Pakistan applied the brakes with the spinners sharing six wickets between them.

Captain Scott Edwards anchored the innings with a polished 37 off 29 balls, but perished when he tried to take the aerial route against leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed.

Saim Ayub then struck twice in the 17th over before left-arm quick Salman Mirza's three-wicket burst dismissed the Dutch with one ball to spare.

Pakistan conceded just 20 runs in the final four overs, backed by several outstanding catches in the field.

(With Inputs From Agencies)