Pakistan vs Netherlands: Faheem Ashraf Powers Last-Over Win in T20 World Cup 2026 Opener

Pakistan scraped past the Netherlands by three wickets in a tense ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener, turning what looked like a routine chase into a last-over escape at the Sinhalese Sports Club. A late counterattack from Faheem Ashraf prevented a major upset after a sudden batting slide left Pakistan staring at defeat.

After choosing to bowl, Pakistan kept the Dutch side within reach despite a steady top-order effort. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards struck 37 and Bas de Leede added 30, guiding their side into a workable position midway through the innings. The momentum, however, flipped at the back end. Left-arm pacer Salman Mirza ripped through the lower order with figures of 3 for 24, and the last six wickets fell for just 20 runs as the Netherlands were bowled out for 147 in 19.5 overs.

Pakistan’s reply began smoothly. Sahibzada Farhan drove the tempo with a confident 47 off 31 balls, helping the chase settle early. With the score at 98 for 2, the match appeared under control, then came a familiar wobble. A cluster of wickets in quick succession reduced Pakistan to 114 for 7, as Paul van Meekeren and Logan van Beek found lift and variation off the surface. The required rate jumped, and pressure took over.

Babar Azam’s scratchy stay ended at 15, and the middle order failed to absorb the squeeze. The Netherlands sensed a famous win when Pakistan needed 29 from the final two overs.

Faheem Ashraf flipped the script. Targeting the penultimate over, he cleared the ropes three times to strip the equation down rapidly and swing momentum back. His unbeaten 29 from 11 balls shut the door on the Dutch challenge and carried Pakistan home with three balls remaining.

The result gives Pakistan early points in Group A, but the collapse will invite scrutiny. For the Netherlands, the narrow defeat underlined their growing threat against full-member sides.