Faheem Ashraf smashed an unbeaten 29 off 11 balls to take Pakistan to a 3-wicket win over the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2026 match played in Colombo.
In the first ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match, Faheem Ashraf took Pakistan to a tense 3-wicket win over the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Saturday. Chasing 148, Pakistan began well during the powerplay through Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub(24), and Salman Ali Agha.
However, the chase lost momentum in the middle overs as the scoring rate dipped. Farhan fell for 47 despite looking set. Babar Azam(15) departed soon after, followed by Shadab Khan(8) and Mohammad Nawaz(6). Pakistan slipped into trouble before Ashraf took control. He remained unbeaten on 29 from 11 balls. Ashraf smashed 24 runs in the 19th over off Logan van Beek, reducing the target to just five runs. Max O’Dowd dropped a deep catch in that over, which proved costly. Ashraf then hit the winning runs, sealing Pakistan’s 3-wicket win over the Netherlands.
In the first innings, Pakistan’s bowling was strong after Salman Ali Agha chose to field. Salman Mirza led the attack with three wickets. Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets each.
The Netherlands finished on 147 after being dismissed in 19.5 overs. The innings collapsed late, with six wickets falling for just 20 runs. At one stage, the Dutch appeared on course for a total beyond 160, but the lack of composure in the end overs cost them. Captain Scott Edwards top-scored for the Netherlands with 37 runs from 29 balls.
Faheem Ashraf
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) February 7, 2026
What a start to the World Cup. Major upset ! #T20WC2026
— Shreevats goswami (@shreevats1) February 7, 2026
Rana jee Kia bat ha apki 💪🏻
— Rumman Raees (@rummanraees15) February 7, 2026
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