Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 journey began with heart-stopping drama, edging Netherlands by 3 wickets in the opener at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. Fahim Ashraf’s unbeaten 29 off the final overs proved decisive in a chase that went down to the wire.
Netherlands, batting first after losing toss, lost O’Doud early (5 off 7) but Levitt’s 24 set a brisk 28/1. Pakistan hit back, claiming both openers by 31. De Leede-Ackermann (34-run stand) and de Leede-Edwards (40 runs) rescued, with Edwards’ 37 (4 boundaries off 29) leading to 147 all out.
Bowling highlights: Mirza 3 wickets, Nawaz/Abrar/Ayub 2 each, Afridi 1. Pakistan stumbled chasing, Ayub out at 27 (24 off 13), Agha at 39 (12 runs). Farhan-Babar’s 45-run partnership took them to 98, Farhan falling for 47 (31 balls).
From 114/7, needing 29 off 2 overs, Ashraf dropped at 18.2, unleashed with Afridi (5*). Their 34-run blitz in 20 balls sealed a famous 19.3-over win.
Dutch bowlers: Dutt/van Meekeren 2 each, van Beek/Klein/van der Merwe 1. This victory, born from collapse and comeback, underscores Pakistan’s fighting spirit in the tournament.