Pakistan Beat Netherlands in 1st T20 Worldcup Match

Pakistan Beat Netherlands by 3 wickets in Colombo as Faheem Ashraf finished a tense chase after Netherlands posted 147 in the World Cup opener.

Pakistan started their T20 World Cup journey with a win that tested their nerves. The match stayed alive until the final over. In the end, Pakistan Beat Netherlands by three wickets with three balls left, and they secured the first points of their campaign in Colombo.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands in a game that never felt safe, even when the target looked modest. Netherlands fought hard after being bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs. Then they defended that total with smart bowling and sharp energy in the field. However, Pakistan held their nerve at the finish and reached 148 for 7 in 19.3 overs.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: Match context and conditions

The first match of Group A took place at the SSC in Colombo on February 7, 2026. The surface looked good for batting early. Still, it offered grip for spinners and cutters as the innings progressed. Because of that, both teams had to keep adjusting their plans.

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first. That decision made sense in these conditions. A chase under lights often feels simpler. Moreover, Pakistan trusted their pace and spin mix to control the middle overs. Netherlands, on the other hand, wanted a steady start and a strong finish. They got the first part right, but they could not close the innings the way they hoped.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: Netherlands build to 147, then slip late

Netherlands began with intent, yet Pakistan struck early. Max O’Dowd fell quickly, and that wicket slowed the first few overs. Even so, Michael Levitt played positively and kept the score moving. He found boundaries and forced the field to spread. As a result, Netherlands stayed in touch with a competitive run rate.

Soon, Pakistan’s spinners entered and changed the rhythm. The batters could still score, but the easy shots vanished. Bas de Leede then played a valuable innings through the middle. He rotated strike well and punished anything short. At the same time, Colin Ackermann added a burst of momentum with quick boundaries. Therefore, Netherlands looked set for a total closer to 160.

Scott Edwards carried the innings with calm leadership. He paced his shots, ran hard, and kept asking questions. Importantly, he stayed composed when wickets fell around him. However, Pakistan answered with tight lines and timely breakthroughs. Abrar Ahmed removed key batters in the later middle overs, and that shift forced Netherlands into risk.

The final phase hurt Netherlands the most. They lost wickets in clusters, and they could not find clean contact. Pakistan’s bowling did not allow a free finish. Consequently, Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs, which felt ten to fifteen runs short after they had built a platform.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: Pakistan’s bowling plan worked through pressure

Pakistan’s bowlers did not chase miracles. Instead, they stuck to a simple plan. They attacked the stumps, changed pace often, and protected the straight boundary. That approach created doubt for the batters. Moreover, it invited lofted shots into bigger pockets.

Salman Mirza led the way with smart variations. He hit the hard length and used the seam. As a result, he collected three wickets and stopped the lower order from swinging freely. Abrar Ahmed supported him with control. He bowled into the pitch and used subtle changes in pace. Therefore, the batters struggled to line him up.

Pakistan also used Mohammad Nawaz well. He broke partnerships and forced batters to hit against the spin. Meanwhile, the fielders backed the bowlers with solid catching and quick movement. Overall, Pakistan kept Netherlands from breaking loose, and that discipline set up the chase.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: Pakistan’s chase starts fast, then loses shape

Pakistan began the chase with an aggressive mindset. Saim Ayub attacked from the start and found boundaries with ease. The early run rate looked healthy. Therefore, the target appeared comfortable at first.

However, Netherlands struck back with crucial wickets. Ayub fell, and then another quick wicket followed. Pakistan still had time, yet the chase began to wobble. Babar Azam came in to stabilize the innings. He tried to rotate strike and keep the asking rate under control. At the same time, Sahibzada Farhan played with freedom and carried the scoring.

Farhan’s innings became the backbone of the chase. He played straight, used the gaps, and picked the right balls to hit. Because of his timing, Pakistan stayed ahead of the required rate for a while. Nevertheless, Netherlands remained patient and waited for mistakes.

The turning point arrived when Netherlands removed Farhan and then grabbed another wicket soon after. That double strike changed the mood instantly. Suddenly, Pakistan’s middle order faced a real squeeze. The runs felt heavier, and the target looked farther away than it should have.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: Middle overs squeeze and rising tension

After the early attack, Netherlands tightened the screws. Their bowlers changed pace and kept the ball away from the bat. They also used the larger boundaries well. As a result, singles became the main option, and boundaries dried up.

Babar tried to hold one end, but the chase needed more intent. Netherlands knew that, so they placed smart fields and forced risky shots. Eventually, Babar fell at a key moment, and the pressure increased again. Pakistan still had hitters to come, yet they also needed calm decision-making.

Shadab Khan came in and looked for momentum. However, he could not find a big over. He fell while trying to break the shackles. Soon after, Mohammad Nawaz also struggled to score freely and then got out. Consequently, Pakistan suddenly sat at seven wickets down with the line still ahead.

At that stage, the match turned into a test of nerve. Netherlands sensed a famous win. Their energy rose, and every dot ball felt louder. Pakistan, meanwhile, needed one partnership and one clean over to finish it.

Faheem Ashraf flips the finish

This is where Faheem Ashraf changed the story. He did not arrive to survive. Instead, he arrived to win. He watched a couple of balls, judged the pace, and then picked his moments. Because of that clarity, his shots looked clean and decisive.

Faheem targeted the straight boundary and trusted his swing. He also chose bowlers he could attack. As a result, he turned a tight chase into a reachable one within minutes. His sixes did more than add runs. They also broke the field plans and forced Netherlands to defend under stress.

Shaheen Afridi supported him at the other end. He ran hard, protected his wicket, and gave strike back when it mattered. That support was vital. In a tense chase, a calm partner reduces panic. Therefore, Pakistan stayed composed even when the crowd and the scoreboard tightened.

Faheem finished unbeaten with a rapid cameo that decided the match. Pakistan Beat Netherlands with three balls remaining, and the dressing room finally exhaled.

What decided the match

The result came down to small moments. First, Pakistan kept Netherlands under 150 when a bigger total seemed possible. That happened because Pakistan took wickets at the right time and denied the late surge. Second, Netherlands struck in the chase and turned it into a real contest. They earned that pressure through smart bowling and disciplined fields.

However, the final difference was Pakistan’s lower-order power. Faheem’s late hitting gave Pakistan the edge. In tournaments, that depth matters. It can rescue a match even when the top order slips. Therefore, Pakistan will take confidence from this finish, even if they will want a smoother chase next time.

Lessons for Pakistan going forward

Pakistan will celebrate the points, but they will also review the chase closely. The top order showed promise, and the start was strong. However, the middle phase became messy after key wickets. Pakistan need better strike rotation when boundaries dry up. They also need calmer choices against slower balls.

At the same time, Pakistan can feel good about their bowling balance. The mix of pace, spin, and variations worked well in Colombo. Moreover, the fielding stayed alert, which matters in World Cups. If Pakistan keep that discipline, they will remain hard to beat.

This win also highlights Pakistan’s depth. A team that can finish a chase from No. 8 can win tight games in big tournaments. Therefore, Pakistan Beat Netherlands in a way that builds belief inside the squad.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: What Netherlands can take from the performance

Netherlands will feel disappointed, because the game was there for them. They defended 147 with excellent intent, and they forced mistakes from a top side. That effort proves their quality. Moreover, they showed calm under pressure for long periods.

Still, Netherlands will look back at the end of their innings. They had a platform, yet they lost too many wickets late. A few extra runs could have changed everything. In addition, one clean over at the death might have finished Pakistan. However, Faheem’s hitting removed that chance.

Even so, Netherlands can leave this match with confidence. They matched Pakistan in energy and plans for most of the night. If they repeat that standard, they will win matches in this group.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands: A simple story of nerves and nerve

This opener had everything a World Cup match should have. It had early attack, a middle-overs squeeze, and a finish that stayed alive until the end. Pakistan looked in control at times. Then they looked in trouble. Netherlands looked short of runs early. Then they looked close to a big upset late.

In the end, Pakistan Beat Netherlands because they found one brave finisher and one calm partner at the right moment. That is often how tournaments are won. Not every match is perfect. Still, points on the table matter most.

Pakistan will now move forward with momentum, but also with a clear message. They must manage chases with more control. Netherlands will move forward with pride, but also with a clear focus. They must finish innings stronger and cash in when big teams wobble.

Pakistan Beat Netherlands, and the World Cup campaign is underway.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match information and score details from the official scorecard coverage.